Carotid intima media thickness as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: a case control study

Authors

  • Renu Saigal Professor and Head, Department of Medicine, Jaipur National University IMSRC, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Vivek Mathur Consultant Cardiologist, Mittal Hospital, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
  • Laxmikant Goyal Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20163728

Keywords:

Atherosclerosis, Intima-media thickness, Rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Background: Increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of accelerated atherosclerosis. We measured carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a surrogate marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in RA in this study.

Methods: In this study 40 cases of RA and 26 matched individuals were recruited. CIMT measurements were done using B-mode ultrasound. Disease activity was assessed using DAS28, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels.

Results: Mean age of the study groups was 52.45±7.43 years (range 41-69 years). Average disease duration was 9.34±4.18 years (range 5-20 years). Thirty two (32/40, 80%) cases of RA were RF positive. ESR was significantly higher in RA cases (51.75±24.13 mm Ist hr) compared to healthy controls (17.31±9.08 mm Ist hour, p <0.001). Significantly increased CIMT was observed in cases as compared to the control group (0.68 ± 0.06 mm versus 0.63±0.07; ???? 0.002). CIMT in the cases positively correlated with age (???? = 0.500; 0.001), duration of disease (????= 0.594; ???? 0.001). CIMT negatively correlated with HDL (???? = -0.345; 0.029).

Conclusions: Subclinical atherosclerosis (increase CIMT) is common in RA and correlated well with disease duration. So every patient of RA should be evaluated for development for atherosclerosis.

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Published

2016-12-24

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Original Research Articles