Stiffness In Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Articles

A commentary on "clinical results of a 10-year follow-up of surgical treatment for elbow stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis: a case series".

A commentary on "clinical results of a 10-year follow-up of surgical treatment for elbow stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis: a case series".

Is it possible to objectively determine morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis?

Objectives: This study aimed to objectively and quantitatively exhibit morning stiffness by using electrophysiological methods. Patients and methods: The prospective, controlled study was conducted with 52 participants between February 2013 and February 2014. Of the participants, 26 were recruited among RA patients (3 males, 23 females; mean age: 55.9±11.2 years; range, 24 to 74 years) followed at the rheumatology clinic, and 26 were healthy subjects (4 males, 22 females; mean age: 54.9±8.3 years; range, 41 to 70 years) for the control group. Duration and severity of morning stiffness were recorded for all participants. Activity of disease and functional status were evaluated by the Disease Activity Score 28 and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), respectively. Electrophysiological reaction times, severity of pain (Visual Analog Scale), HAQ, and grip strength were measured for each participant twice in 24 h in the morning (08:00-09:00 am) and afternoon (03:00-05:00 pm). Results: In the RA group, motor reaction and response times and severity of pain values were significantly lower in the afternoon compared to the morning (p=0.030, p=0.031, and p=0.002, respectively), and hand grip strengths were significantly higher in the afternoon (p=0.007). In the control group, no change was observed between morning and afternoon measurements in the strength and reaction time variables. Conclusion: Our hypothesis that stiffness would slow down the movements in the morning in RA was supported by the prolonged motor and response times in the morning compared to the afternoon. However, in the control group (no morning stiffness), there was no difference in reaction time variables between the morning and afternoon, objectively demonstrating the concept of morning stiffness in this study.

Fabrication of timed-release indomethacin core–shell tablets for chronotherapeutic drug delivery using dual nozzle fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing

In the present study, timed-release indomethacin tablets, releasing drug after predetermined lag times, were developed for the effective treatment of early morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis using two-nozzle fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing with a Bowden extruder. The developed core–shell tablets consisted of a drug-containing core and release-regulating shell with different designed thicknesses (i.e., 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm). The filaments to fabricate cores and shells were prepared using hot-melt extrusion (HME), and different filament compositions were formulated for core tablets and screened for rapid release and printability. Eventually, the HPMCAS-based formulation comprised a core tablet enclosed by a shell of Affinisol™ 15LV, a swellable polymer. During 3D printing, one nozzle was dedicated to printing core tablets loaded with indomethacin, and the other nozzle was dedicated to printing shells, making a whole structure produced at once without inconvenient filament change and nozzle cleanout. The mechanical properties of filaments were compared using a texture analyzer. The core–shell tablets were characterized for dissolution profiles and physical attributes (e.g., dimension, friability, hardness). SEM image indicated a smooth and complete surface of the core–shell tablets. The tablets showed 4–8 h of lag depending on the shell thicknesses and released most of the drugs in 3 h, regardless of the shell thicknesses. The core–shell tablets showed high reproducibility but exhibited low dimensional accuracy in the shell thickness. This study explored the suitability of using two-nozzle FDM 3D printing with Bowden extrusion for producing personalized chronotherapeutic core–shell tablets and discussed possible challenges that needed to be considered for a successful printing process using this technology.

Clinical results of a 10-year follow-up of surgical treatment for elbow stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis: A case series

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis commonly causes transient limitation of joint motion, but the treatment of persistent stiffness in the rheumatoid elbow has rarely been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical results of surgical treatment of rheumatoid elbow stiffness. MethodsSurgical treatment, including open arthrolysis with hinged external fixation, total synovectomy, and ulnar nerve release and anteriorization, was performed in 48 elbows in 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and early joint destruction. Mobility (flexion-extension and pronation-supination), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), visual analog scale (VAS) score, muscle strength, nerve symptoms, postoperative complications, and recurrent synovitis were evaluated 9–11 years (average, 9.88 years) postoperatively. ResultsThe mobility of the elbow was significantly improved over the preoperative period either in extension, flexion, protonation, supination (P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, P = .002). The mean MEPS was significantly improved from 56.25 points (range, 30–90) to 87.40 points (range, 40–100) (P < .001). The pain was relieved, and the mean VAS score was reduced from 3.56 (range, 0–8) to 1.08 (range, 0–5) points (P < .001). Preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms were observed in 17 patients and relieved in 10 (59%) patients, and the mean Amadio score was raised from 6.9 (range, 3–9) to 7.96 (range, 4–9) points (P < .001). Through surgical treatment and postoperative rehabilitation, the mean grip strength of the patients was significantly improved from an average of 9.01 (range, 3.4–18.5) to 17.56 kg (range, 3.9–40.2) (P < .001). Five elbows developed recurrent synovitis, and one underwent total elbow arthroplasty. Postoperative complications were uncommon and not severe. ConclusionSurgical treatment is a reliable procedure for rheumatoid elbow stiffness and can be effective in improving elbow mobility, function, muscle strength, pain relief, and relief of nerve symptoms.

Quercetin mitigates rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting adenosine deaminase in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease characterized by synovial proliferation and bone destruction. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a key inflammatory enzyme that increases joint stiffness and pain in RA. In this study, we evaluated the in-silico, and in vivo inhibitory effect of quercetin isolated from Egyptian Fenugreek on ADA enzyme activity. We also determined the combinatorial effect of quercetin on methotrexate mediated anti-inflammatory efficacy and toxicity. In-silico molecular docking was conducted and confirmed in an in vivo RA rat model. The results showed that the inhibition constant of quercetin on joint ADA by docking and in-vitro was 61.9 and 55.5 mM, respectively. Therefore, quercetin exhibits anti-inflammatory effect in a rat RA model as evidenced by reducing the specific activity of ADA in joint tissues, lower jaw volume, enhance body weight, downregulate ADA gene expression, reduce levels of RA cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, also, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide RA biomarker levels. These findings demonstrate that the purified quercetin has a promising anti-inflammatory effect against RA disease through its inhibitory effects on the ADA enzyme. Furthermore, isolated quercetin improved the anti-inflammatory efficacy of methotrexate, reduced its toxic effects by increasing antioxidant enzymes and reducing oxidative stress.

Augmentation index, but not pulse wave velocity, is associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with premature atherosclerosis and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between disease activity and arterial stiffness indexes for CVD in RA patients. Two hundred twenty-two female RA patients were retrospectively recruited. Non-invasive arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) using pulse wave analyses and the augmentation index (AIx). The AIx was classified into two groups of normal (grade 0) and abnormal (grade 1, 2, and 3). The baPWV was associated with only age and rheumatoid factor titer, but not disease activity index, DAS28-ESR. Univariate analysis indicated that AIx was related to body mass index, disease duration, and DAS28-ESR. In addition, the baPWV was associated with DAS28-ESR and disease duration after adjusting for confounding factors (β = 0.147, p = 0.032 and β = 0.183, p = 0.034, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the tendency for abnormal AIx increased as DAS28-ESR increased, and the result was significant ( p for trend = 0.026). The results of this study indicated that the relationship between AIx and DAS28-ESR suggests that disease activity could affect arterial stiffness in RA.

Arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis: Current knowledge and future perspectivess

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the excess cardiovascular risk that remains essentially unaltered despite current medical advances. The introduction of reliable markers towards early identification and subsequently effective management of high-risk patients with RA are urgently needed. Arterial stiffness represents an early indicator of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and has emerged as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular disease. From a pathophysiological perspective, it is significantly accelerated by the accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors and is considered an intermediate process towards the development and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aim of this review is to critically upraise current knowledge on arterial stiffness in patients with RA. Although not all studies concur, increased Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) has been repeatedly reported in patients with RA. However, results need to be interpreted with caution as most studies enrolled patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and/or established cardiovascular disease, or with uncontrolled RA with high levels of systemic inflammation. Whether and to which extent increased arterial stiffness among patients with RA is associated with the disease per se, or rather represents the composite effect of hypertension and other classical cardiovascular risk factors, warrants further investigation. The impact of antirheumatic drugs on arterial stiffness is also discussed. Considering the well-established predictive value of increased PWV both in the general population and patients at high cardiovascular risk, future studies need to focus on the clinical utility of this surrogate risk marker specifically in patients with RA.

Etodolac improves collagen induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats by inhibiting synovial inflammation, fibrosis and hyperplasia

Synovial hyperplasia is the main cause of chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the mechanism of synovial hyperplasia is still unclear. Etodolac (ETD) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor for relieving pain and stiffness in RA, but the disease modifying effect is still lack of evidence. Proteomics method was used to study the differential proteome of synovial tissue in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. With the help of STRING analysis, the upregulated proteins enriched in the cluster of complement and coagulation cascades and platelet degranulation were highlighted, these proteins with fibrogenic factors Lum, CIV, CXI and Tgfbi participated in the synovial inflammation, fibrosis and hyperplasia in CIA. Based on KOG function class analysis, the proteins involved in the events of the central dogma was explored. They might be hyperplasia related proteins for most of them are related to the proliferation of cancer. ETD significantly attenuated synovial inflammation, fibrosis and hyperplasia in CIA rats by downregulating these proteins. Several proteins have not been observed in RA so far, such as Tmsb4x, Pura, Nfic, Ruvbl1, Snrpd3, U2af2, Srrm2, Srsf7, Elavl1, Hnrnph1, Wars, Yars, Bzw2, Mcts1, Eif4b, Ctsh, Lamp1, Dpp7, Ptges3, Cdc37 and Septin9, they might be potentials targets for RA. Blood biochemistry tests showed the safety of 7 months use of ETD on rats. In conclusion, present study displayed a comprehensive mechanism of synovial hyperplasia in CIA rats, on this basis, the clinical value of ETD in the treatment of RA was well confirmed.

Reply

We are very grateful for the interest in our manuscript describing synovial histology features that associate with patient reports of morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)1 . Pamuk et al. note that neutrophil gene and protein expression, as well as cell counts, fluctuate in the blood in a 24-hour circadian cycle and the circadian variation in neutrophil function may contribute to morning stiffness.

Musculoskeletal stiffness is common in healthy adults and increases with age.

Musculoskeletal stiffness is a common feature in rheumatologic inflammatory diseases but little is known about background joint stiffness in the healthy population. The aim of this survey was to determine the variation in musculoskeletal stiffness with age in a cohort of healthy adults using a patient reported outcome instrument designed to assess stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis. Healthy subjects ≥18 years old were enrolled at two sites. Those with a diagnosis of rheumatological disease were excluded. Each subject completed a 21-item questionnaire designed to evaluate the severity of musculoskeletal stiffness, its physical impact and psychosocial impact, and to provide an overall stiffness score, expressed as a percentage. Scores were analyzed by age group. Two hundred eighty-two subjects were included with a mean age of 42 years (±17, range 18-85). More than 50% of subjects reported stiffness in each age group but with a low median overall stiffness score of 5.4% (IQR 0, 12.6). Scores were markedly higher in those aged ≥60 years, median 10.0% (IQR 2.6, 21.9), and only in this age group did the majority of subjects report a physical or psychosocial impact of stiffness. Scores in males and females were similar. The prevalence of musculoskeletal stiffness in healthy subjects of all ages is not negligible, and the high frequency of stiffness and greater severity in the upper age cohort suggest that the background joint stiffness amongst older subjects should be considered when interpreting stiffness in rheumatologic patients.

Methotrexate therapy is not associated with increased liver stiffness and significant liver fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A cross-sectional controlled study with real-time two-dimensional shear wave elastography

ObjectiveTo explore the significance of the association between treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and liver stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. MethodsWe enrolled 140 consecutive RA patients under MTX treatment (MTX-treated RA; mean treatment duration: 6.2 years; mean MTX cumulative dose: 4.67 g), 33 RA patients naive to MTX (MTX-naive RA) and 100 age and sex-matched healthy blood donors (HD). Liver stiffness was assessed by real time two-dimensional shear wave elastography, with values ≥7.1 Kilopascals (kPa) defining significant liver fibrosis. ResultskPa values in HD (4.32 ± 0.7) were lower than that in MTX-naive RA (4.92 ± 0.8) and MTX-treated RA (4.85 ± 0.9, p < .0005 for trend). On the contrary, the difference in kPa between MTX-naive and MTX-treated RA was not significant (p = .89). Similarly, liver stiffness was not significantly different across strata of cumulative MTX dose (4.95 ± 0.7 kPa in MTX <1 g, 4.90 ± 1.1 kPa in MTX 1–3 g and 4.80 ± 0.9 in MTX >3 g, p = .610). Significant liver fibrosis was diagnosed in 4 patients in the MTX-treated RA (highest kPa value = 7.6; no liver function test abnormalities or clinical signs of hepatic failure) and in none in both the MTX-naive RA and HD groups (p = .145). ConclusionLiver stiffness values, although within the normal range, are significantly higher in RA patients vs. controls, irrespective of MTX treatment. RA patients taking MTX do not have a higher prevalence of significant liver fibrosis when compared to MTX naive RA patients and the general population.

Muscle stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis is not altered or associated with muscle weakness: A shear wave elastography study

Objectives: To investigate muscle stiffness and strength in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to healthy controls.Methods: A sample of 80 RA patients from three discrete groups: 1 – newly diagnosed treatment-naïve RA (n = 29), 2 – active RA for at least 1 year (n = 18) and 3 – in remission RA for at least 1 year (n = 33), was compared to 40 healthy controls. Shear wave velocity (SWV) was measured using shear wave elastography as a surrogate for tissue stiffness in multiple muscles. All participants performed isometric grip strength, timed get-up-and-go test, 30-s chair stand test and isokinetic knee extension/flexion (60°/s). The difference in SWV amongst the groups was tested using one-way ANOVA, and the correlation between SWV and muscle strength results were calculated using Pearson’s coefficients.Results: The mean age ± SD was 61.2 ± 12.8 for RA patients and 61.5 ± 10.5 years for controls. SWV was not significantly different amongst the groups on all muscles (p > .05). In comparison to controls, the new and active RA groups showed a significantly lower isokinetic strength by –29% (p = .013) and –28% (p = .040), fewer chair stands by –28% (p = .001) and –44% (p < .001), longer walking times by –25% (p = .025) and –30% (p = .001), respectively, and weaker grip strength by –45% for both (p < .001). The muscle strength in the remission RA groups was not significantly lower, except in the isokinetic knee strength (–21%; p = .027). The correlations between SWE and the muscle assessment results were weak and insignificant (r < 0.30; p > .05).Conclusion: Significant muscle weakness was demonstrated in patients with RA disease. However, muscle stiffness was normal and not associated with muscle strength.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-Cw0303, HLA-Cw04, and HLA-Cw07 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility of rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese Han patients from Southern China.

This study aimed to investigate the association between human leukocyte antigen Cw (HLA-Cw) polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Chinese Han patients in the Jiangsu area (Southern China). Polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers were used to detect HLA-Cw01-08 of 201 RA patients and 211 healthy individuals from Zhongda Hospital (China). The allele frequency distribution of HLA-Cw and genotypic differences between the two groups were analyzed. The frequency of HLA-Cw0303 in patients with RA was significantly higher than that in controls, while the frequency of HLA-Cw04 was lower than that in controls (P<0.05). The gene frequency of HLA-Cw07 in anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP)-negative patients was higher than that in controls (P=0.044). The frequency of HLA-Cw04 was decreased in the short duration subgroup and increased in the long duration subgroup (P<0.05). Compared to controls, the frequency of HLA-Cw0303 in patients with RA and morning stiffness was increased (P=0.004), while the frequency of HLA-Cw04 was decreased ( 0.005). These results suggest that HLA-Cw0303 is a susceptibility gene for RA in Chinese Han patients in the Jiangsu area of southern China. The HLA-Cw04 gene may be a protective factor against RA, while HLA-Cw07 might play a protective role in the production of anti-CCP in the long-term course in patients with RA.

Exercise is Associated With Increased Small HDL Particle Concentration and Decreased Vascular Stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. In the general population, exercise improves several CV risk factors. In a cross-sectional study, we examined the hypothesis that more exercise is associated with protective traditional and non-traditional CV risk factor profile in patients with RA. Patient-reported exercise outside of daily activities was quantified by time and metabolic equivalents per week (METmin/week) and CV risk factors including blood pressure, standard lipid profiles, lipoprotein particle concentrations (NMR spectroscopy), and vascular indices were measured in 165 patients with RA. The relationship between exercise and CV risk factors was assessed according to whether patients exercised or not, and after adjustment for age, race and sex. Over half (54%) of RA patients did not exercise. Among those who did exercise, median value for exercise duration was 113 min/week [IQR: 60, 210], and exercise metabolic equivalent expenditure was 484 METmin/week [IQR: 258, 990]. Disease activity (measured by DAS28 score), C-reactive protein, waist-hip ratio, and prevalence of hypertension were lower in patients who exercised compared to those who did not (all p-values < 0.05) but standard lipid profile and body mass index were not significantly different. Patients who exercised had significantly higher concentrations of HDL particles (p = 0.004) and lower vascular stiffness as measured by pulse wave velocity (p = 0.005). More self-reported exercise in patients with RA was associated with a protective CV risk factor profile including lower waist-hip ratio, higher HDL particle concentration, lower vascular stiffness, and a lower prevalence of hypertension.

Genetic polymorphism of the methotrexate transporter ABCG2, blood pressure and markers of arterial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: repeated cross-sectional study.

PurposeMethotrexate (MTX) treatment is associated with lower blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated associations between single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter gene ABCG2 (rs2231142), BP, and arterial stiffness in RA patients treated with MTX.Patients and methodsClinical and 24-hour peripheral and central BP, arterial wave reflection (Augmentation Index, AIx), arterial stiffness (Pulse Wave Velocity, PWV), and intracellular MTX polyglutamate (MTXPGs) concentrations were assessed in 56 RA patients on stable treatment with MTX using a repeated cross-sectional study design with measurements at baseline and after 8 months.ResultsMajority of the RA patients were homozygotes for the normal allele (CC, n=46) whereas 10 were rs2231142 heterozygotes (AC, n=10). MTXPGs concentrations were non-significantly higher in AC when compared to CC (144.3 vs 116.3 nmol/L packed RBCs, P=0.10). At baseline, the AC group had significantly lower age-adjusted clinical systolic BP (SBP) (P=0.01), 24-hour peripheral SBP (P=0.003), and central SBP (P=0.02) when compared to the CC group. However, AIx and PWV values were not significantly different between the two groups. When data from both visits were combined in a single analysis, and additionally adjusted for visit, gender, body mass index, and Disease Activity Score 28, the trend in SBP differences between-groups persisted but was no longer significant.ConclusionFuture studies are required to test the hypothesis that this genetic polymorphism is associated with lower BP, arterial stiffness, and possibly, cardiovascular risk, in RA patients treated with MTX.

Association of non-invasive hemodynamics with arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives. Arterial stiffness has emerged as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the role of myocardial performance and hemodynamic parameters in arterial stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is accompanied by excess cardiovascular risk. Design. Arterial stiffness was evaluated with pulse wave velocity (PWV) in RA patients and controls. Cardiac and hemodynamic characterization was based on impedance cardiography. Cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers and disease-related parameters were assessed. Results. PWV (8.2 ± 2.1 vs 7.4 ± 1.4 m/s, p = .016) was higher among RA patients (n = 104) compared to controls (n = 52). In the RA group, PWV correlated with markers of cardiac contractibility (acceleration and velocity index), myocardial blood flow (cardiac output and stroke volume), preload (thoracic fluid content) and afterload (systemic vascular resistance) (p < .05 for all). PWV tended to increase with decreasing oxygen delivery to the myocardium (r = 0.055), as well as with shortening of the ejection duration of the left ventricle (p = .058). However, these associations no longer remained significant after adjustment for classical cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation and corticosteroid use, which were independently associated with PWV. Conclusions. Among patients with RA, arterial stiffness appears as the composite of cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation, while corticosteroid use emerges as an additional adverse factor.

Субклиническое поражение магистральных артерий при ревматоидном артрите и иммунологические маркеры метаболизма костной ткани

The purpose of the study was to determine the contribution of RANKL/OPG transmembrane molecule system into the development of pathological arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients (n=181) were randomized into 4 groups based on RF/ACCP (rheumatoid factor/antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide) positivity and disease duration (less than or more than 2 years). Serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (sRANKL) concentrations, as well as pulse wave contour analysis were evaluated in all patients. The largest OPG level was detected in Group 1 patients; sRANKL concentration with maximal RANKL/OPG ratio was predominant in Group 4 patients. Prolonged course of RF/ACCP-seropositive RA was characterized by more significant arterial rigidity shifts (increases in augmentation (AIp), stiffness (SI), reflection (RI) indices). Correlation analysis revealed the presence of significant relations between the RANKL/OPG transmembrane molecule system and arterial rigidity parameters in RA.

Increased arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis and Its relation to disease activity: A cross sectional study.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with elevated plasma level of inflammatory markers. Chronic inflammation is known to predispose to endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness, which is an important marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk.ObjectiveThe aim is to test for the relationship between disease activity and arterial stiffness in RA patients.MethodsThe study included 90 RA patients, at different grades of disease activity and 45 healthy subjects, as a control group. Patients were subjected to full history taking and clinical examination, laboratory investigations including serum lipid profile and high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measurements and plain x-rays of hands and feet. Modified Larsen method was used as radiographic scoring method. Disease activity score (DAS 28) was used for assessment of disease activity. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to detect aortic stiffness parameters. Duplex ultrasound imaging of both common carotid arteries was performed to measure carotid stiffness parameters.ResultsThe mean age of RA patients was 39.86 ± 9.39 years and most of them (83.3%) were females. RA patients had higher carotid stiffness index compared to control group patients (8.57 ± 4.83 vs 4.08 ± 1.13, p < .001). Very poor correlation was found between DAS-28 and aortic (r = 0.1, p = .28) as well as carotid (r = 0.05, p = .7) stiffness indices. No statistically significant correlation was found between hs-CRP and aortic stiffness index (r = 0.64, p = .55). Disease duration was significantly correlated to intima-media thickness (p < .01) as well as with other carotid stiffness parameters. Age also show a statistically significant positive correlation with carotid stiffness parameters.ConclusionRA is associated with increased arterial stiffness, a well-recognized marker of cardiovascular risk. This is attributed to the inflammatory nature of the disease. It seems that the most important factors determining stiffness are patients' age and duration of illness.

Arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis and coronary artery disease

Arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis and coronary artery disease

The fact not to ignore: Mean blood pressure is the main predictor of increased arterial stiffness in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the association between carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and factors potentially influencing them in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Material and methods316 patients diagnosed with RA (32%), SLE (20%), SSc (16%) and 156 controls (32%) were included in the study. Parameters of arterial stiffness AIx and PWV were obtained using applanation tonometry. FMD reflecting endothelial function was measured by ultrasound. ResultsAIx was increased in all three diseases (p<0.0001), but no differences were found between rheumatic diseases. In most of the RA cases PWV values were abnormal (on average by 0.52m/sec higher than in controls), while in SSc patients FMD values were diminished (p=0.006). Mean blood pressure (MBP) was the most consistent predictive factor in all three diseases, influencing both PWV and AIx, although patient age was also important in variation of AIx. The disease activity score (DAS28) was relevant only in RA patients. Furthermore, SLE disease activity index in SLE or Rodnan skin thickness score had no statistical significance in SSc and inflammatory markers. ConclusionsBoth, PWV and AIx are dependent on MBP and age DAS28 may affect AIx in RA patients, while other disease or inflammatory markers are unlikely to have any effect. MBP is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors affecting the arterial stiffness in RA, SLE and SSc patients therefore controlling MBP in systemic rheumatic disease patients is mandatory.