The Frequency of Cardiovascular Diseases in Rheumatoid Arthritis in Brazil: 10-year Cohort Study with DATASUS...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease is a significant concern in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Previous research focused on biological factors influencing RA cardiovascular outcomes.
• Understanding RA patient cardiovascular event distribution in Brazil's public health system is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular events in Brazilian RA patients within the Unified Health System (SUS).
• To identify factors associated with cardiovascular outcomes in this population.
• To analyze treatment patterns, including biological and synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study using the DATASUS database.
• Identified RA patients (≥ 18 years) via ICD-10 codes and SUS procedures.
• Categorized patients by DMARDs (biological vs. synthetic) and treatment patterns; assessed socioeconomic status using IFDM.

Main Results:

• 198 cardiovascular outcomes (4.68%) observed among 4,321 RA patients on DMARDs.
• Majority female (80.3%), mean age 54.2 years, predominantly from Southeast Brazil.
• Advanced age, cardiovascular risk factors, and synthetic DMARD use were significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular outcomes represent a common complication in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• Treatment strategies and patient comorbidities significantly influence cardiovascular event risk.
• Public health initiatives should address cardiovascular risk in RA patients, particularly those on synthetic DMARDs.