[Dyslipidemia and atherogenic risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

José Antonio de Jesús Batún Garrido1, Francisco Olán1, Éufrates Hernández Núñez1

  • 1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad Dr. Gustavo A. Rovirosa Pérez, El Recreo, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México.

Insights

Rheumatoid arthritis patients often have unhealthy lipid profiles, increasing cardiovascular risk. Early detection and management of dyslipidemia are crucial for better health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

  • Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis patients exhibit a 2-3 fold increased cardiovascular risk.
  • This heightened risk is partly attributed to lipid patterns that elevate the atherogenic index.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of dyslipidemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
  • To assess the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, serological markers, and lipid profiles.
  • To evaluate atherogenic indices and the impact of specific medications on lipid profiles in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, and prospective study involving 82 rheumatoid arthritis patients.
  • Data collection included patient demographics, disease characteristics, medication use, and lipid profiles.
  • Statistical analysis employed Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests to evaluate categorical and continuous variables, respectively.

Main Results:

  • The frequency of dyslipidemia was 54.9%, predominantly in the 51-60 age group.
  • Higher dyslipidemia rates were observed in patients with obesity type I, positive rheumatoid factor, and elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP).
  • Mean atherogenic indices (Castelli I: 4.36, Kannel: 2.59, TG/HDL-c: 3.83) indicated a pro-atherogenic profile. Hydroxychloroquine use was associated with lower dyslipidemia frequency.

Conclusions:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis patients possess a pro-atherogenic lipid profile, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk.
  • Understanding and managing dyslipidemia in rheumatoid arthritis is essential for cardiovascular risk reduction.
  • Targeted lipid management strategies should be considered in the comprehensive care of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Abstract

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