Abstract 12593: Associations of Serum Uric Acid and Cardiovascular Events in a Clinical Trial of IL-1β Blockade

Abstract

Background: Serum uric acid (SUA) associates with CV events, mortality, and gout. We assessed whether SUA predicts CV risk in a trial of IL-1β inhibition with canakinumab, a therapy known to reduce both CV events and gout. Aims: To validate associations between SUA and CV risk in a large cohort with chronic CAD and determine whether these associations were altered by IL-1β blockade or baseline renal function. Methods: The Canakinumab Antiinflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study (CANTOS) randomized 10,061 patients with prior MI and hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L to canakinumab 50 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, or placebo subcutaneously every four weeks. SUA levels were obtained at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models compared the outcomes of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), CV death (CVD), and all-cause mortality (ACM) among those with baseline SUA ≤ 6.8 mg/dL, 6.8- 9.0 mg/dL, and ≥ 9.0 mg/dL (format: HR (95% CI); p). This analysis was repeated separately within canakinumab, placebo, eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min, and eGFR < 60 mL/min sub-groups. Results: High SUA associated with MACE (1.66 (1.38-1.99); p<0.0001), CVD (2.52 (1.98-3.21); p<0.0001), and ACM (2.43 (2.01-2.94); p<0.0001) compared to low SUA. These associations were minimally attenuated after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, LDL-C, and hsCRP. After further adjusting for eGFR and diuretic use, high SUA independently predicted CVD and ACM. In the IL-1β blockade arm, high SUA associated with MACE (1.82 (1.46-2.26); p<0.0001), CVD (2.80 (2.10-3.73); p<0.0001), and ACM (2.72 (2.17-3.40); p<0.0001). In participants with normal eGFR, high SUA associated with CVD and ACM, but not MACE. Conclusions: These data from a large cohort of patients with chronic CAD confirm that individuals with elevated SUA have increased CV risk despite aggressive medical therapies. IL-1β blockade did not modify these associations. Future trials may consider inclusion of patients with high SUA and CKD as a method to increase absolute risk.