Acute crystal arthritis from calcium pyrophosphate deposition contributes to non-fatal CV events: BMJ

USA: In a new study conducted by Sara K Tedeschi and the team, it was observed that acute calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) crystal arthritis was related to an increased risk of nonfatal cardiovascular (CV) events in both the short and long-term cases. The findings of this study were published in the BMJ journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Broadly characterized CPPD conditions have been linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. As a result, this study was carried out to look at the risk of CV events in individuals with acute CPP crystal arthritis, which is an acute symptom of CPPD.

This cohort research employs electronic health record (EHR) data from Mass General Brigham from 1991 to 2017. A published machine learning approach with an 81% positive predictive value was used to identify patients with acute CPP crystal arthritis. Patients with acute CPP crystal arthritis were matched with comparators based on the year of EHR entry and the index date.

MACE was defined as a combination of a non-fatal CV event (acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke) and mortality. Researchers calculated incidence rates (IRs) and adjusted hazard ratios for MACE, non-fatal CV events, and mortality, with estimates varying between years 0 and 2. Sensitivity studies included the following individuals: (1) patients having acute CPP crystal arthritis identified during outpatient visits, (2) patients with connected Medicare data from 2007 to 2016, and (3) patients matched on the number of CV risks.