Early DMARD therapy for rheumatoid arthritis lowers CVD risk: BMJ
UK: Cardiovascular abnormalities are present in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) which can be improved using disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy, suggests a recent study in the BMJ journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at a threefold increased risk of mortality as compared to the general population. This is due to the increased frequency of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) -- particularly heart failure and atherosclerosis. The risk is as high as that of patients having major CVD risk factors including type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Epidemiological studies have shown an association between contemporary management of RA and reduction in cardiovascular (CV) events. Clinical imaging studies have demonstrated abnormal CV measures mainly in established RA with a varying association to poor prognosis factors of RA. Sven Plein, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK, and colleagues determined whether patients with ERA have CVD that is modifiable with DMARD therapy, comparing first-line etanercept (ETN) + methotrexate (MTX) with MTX strategy.
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