P892 Do anti TNF alpha drugs reduce cardiovascular risk in Crohn's disease ?

Abstract

Abstract Background We now know that Crohn's disease (CD) is characterised by a higher cardiovascular risk, despite the low frequency of traditional risk factors. Arterial stiffness (AS) and its relationship with chronic inflammation seem to explain this paradox. Given that inflammation plays an important role in AS, reducing it should make it possible to reduce this stiffness. This led us to evaluate the effect of anti TNF alpha on AS Methods This was a prospective observational study involving 118 patients with CD, 63 of whom were taking anti TNF alpha (Adalimumab, Infliximab). AS was assessed by pulse wave measurement (aPWV) using a validated Sphingmocor Syndney device at the time of recruitment and during patient follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software and Student's t-test for paired samples. Results The mean age was 37 years [19-67], sex ratio = 1.5, 22.2% were active smokers, 62.9% of patients were in a flare and 43.3% had had at least two relapses in the year prior to recruitment, median duration of disease was 30 months. The mean duration of follow-up was 9 months [6-24]. The reduction in aPWV was highly significant for patients on anti-TNF alpha therapy, whether with flexible or rigid arteries: the mean aPWV was 7.67+/-1.4 vs 7.08+/-1.07 for patients on anti-TNF alpha therapy, with a p=2*10-5. The aPWV was 8.49+/-1.07 vs 7.42+/- 0.44 for patients with rigid arteries with a p= 3*10-4. Conclusion Treatment with Anti TNF alpha appears to slow down aPWV in Crohn's disease, and may therefore be a good way of reducing the cardiovascular risk and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in Crohn's disease.