Objective. In this study, we compare the prevalence of HT in RA and OA patients, exposed to high-and low-grade chronic inflammation, respectively , to assess the possible association between chronic inflammation and HT. Methods.A total of consecutive 627 RA and 352 OA patients were enrolled in this multicentric study. HT was defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or current use of any antihypertensive drug. Overweight/obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥25, and patients ≥65 years old were considered elderly.Results. The prevalence of HT was higher in the OA group than in the RA group [73.3% (95%CI 68.4, 77.7) and 59.5% (95%CI 55.6, 68.4) P<0.001 respectively]. When the results were adjusted for age and BMI the HT prevalence was similar in both groups [RA 59%(95%CI 55.1, 63.8) OA 60%(95%CI 58.4, 65.0)]. In both groups, the prevalence of HT was higher in the elderly and those who were overweight than in the younger patients and those with a BMI <25 .Overweight (BMI ≥25) and age ≥65 were independent predictors of HT in multivariate logistic regression model, which show no association of HT and the disease (RA or OA). Conclusion.The results indicated a robust association of age and BMI with HT prevalence in both RA and OA. The difference in HT prevalence between RA and OA is rather due to age and BMI then to features of the disease, putting into question specific association of HT with RA.

No abstract

No abstract

Academic setting such as PRM training center Split enables education for different health professionals at the same place and time, which provides opportunities for learning about competencies of other team members and development of future collaboration. Also, a uniform approach to education in rehabilitation medicine is provided for all health professionals. All of this sets a solid foundation for education of integrated rehabilitation team and achieving excellence in contemporary Croatian PRM. Implications for Rehabilitation In order to achieve high quality rehabilitation it is necessary to make education accessible to all rehabilitation team members. Implementation of rehabilitation principles in undergraduate education sets a good foundation for the development of postgraduate and specialty training in rehabilitation medicine. Academic setting such as physical and rehabilitation medicine training center Split provides a uniform approach to education in rehabilitation medicine for all health professionals.

No abstract