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Published on: October 12, 2017
[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.
Introduction:
Dyslipidaemia is one of the main risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have 2-3 times more cardiovascular risk, which is partly due to the pattern of lipids which increase the atherogenic index.
Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational and prospective study was conducted on 82 patients, selected for their lipid profile. Variables associated with the disease and the drugs used were recorded. Atherogenic risk was calculated, with Chi square being used for categorical variables, and the Mann-Whitney test for the continuous ones.
Results:
The dyslipidaemia frequency was 54.9%. The most frequent age range of dyslipidaemia was between 51 and 60 years. Patients with type i obesity had a higher frequency of dyslipidaemia. Less dyslipidaemia was found with a lower rate of disease activity. Patients with cyclic citrullinated anti-peptide antibodies and positive rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate>13mm or CRP>2mg/L had a higher frequency of dyslipidaemia. The mean Castelli atherogenic index was 4.36, the index of Kannel was 2.59, and triglycerides/HDL-c ratio was 3.83.Patients with dyslipidaemia showed a higher frequency of positive rheumatoid factor (P=.0008), and those patients who were taking hydroxychloroquine had a lower frequency of dyslipidaemia P=.03.
Conclusions:
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a pro-atherogenic lipid profile. It is important to know this and treat it to reduce cardiovascular risk.
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