Variables associated with subclinical atherosclerosis among rheumatoid arthritis patients of Gulf Cooperative Council countries

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the cardiovascular disease (CVD) as demonstrated by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and the cluster risk factors of CVD including traditional and non-traditional, urinary functions, iron buildup, and hemorheology in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries. Methods: Carotid intima-media thickness was obtained from 216 RA patients, free of atherosclerotic diseases. The correlation between cIMT and the possible CVD risk factors was carried out using regression analysis. Results: The mean cIMT was observed as 0.58±0.11 mm. Mean age was 48±13 years. Univariate analysis revealed a positive association ( p <0.05) between cIMT and age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure (SBp), and diastolic blood pressure, c-reactive protein (CRP), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean cell volume, platelet, monocytes, eosinophils, ferritin, creatinine, and uric acid. Negative relationship was observed between cIMT and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), transferrin, and high-density lipoprotein. Multiple linear regression analysis exhibited a positive association between cIMT and the age, LDL, eosinophil, SBp, and the ESR, whereas, negative connection with the GFR and transferrin. Conclusion: In this study, we found that the eosinophils, and low transferrin, are the potential candidates for the CVD risk factors in RA patients. Fasting blood glucose level was also observed to be a significant risk factor in diabetic as well as non-diabetic RA. The remaining CVD risk factors in RA patients of GCC countries including older age, high SBp, ESR, LDL, and low GFR were similar to the international population.

Association of Interleukin 17F with Arthritis in Punjabi Families of Pakistan

“…The individuals with high BMI were also evaluated, as they are at a high risk of various forms of arthritis (Sultana et al, 2020). The mean age for the development of arthritis was found to be 48±13 years (Hannawi et al, 2020). This study found the age for the onset of arthritis to be above the fourth decade of life.…”

Comment on: Variables associated subclinical atherosclerosis among rheumatoid arthritis patients of Gulf Cooperative Council countries

“…To the Editor I read with interest the study by Hannawi et al 1 on variables associated with subclinical atherosclerosis among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the Gulf Cooperative Council countries. The findings are interesting but the main limitation of the study is the absence of a control group.…”

“…We thank Prof. Jawad for his interest in the results of our study "Variables associated with subclinical atherosclerosis among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the Gulf Cooperative Council Countries". 1 The study has no control arm as the main objective of the study was to look at the determinants of the subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC).…”

Comment on: Variables associated with subclinical atherosclerosis among rheumatoid arthritis patients of Gulf Cooperative Council countries’

“…To the Editor I have read a recent article published in your journal, titled "Variables associated with subclinical atherosclerosis among rheumatoid arthritis patients of Gulf Cooperative Council countries', by Hannawi et al 1 I would like to congratulate the author for highlighting an extremely important issue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, that is, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Indeed, atherosclerotic events in RA are common and unfortunately easily missed as most patients are asymptomatic from cardiac standpoint.…”

“…We thank Dr. Bin Naeem for his interest in our study "Variables associated with subclinical atherosclerosis among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the Gulf Cooperative Council Countries". 1 Despite that RA is the most common inflammatory autoimmune disease worldwide, very little known about RA in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Therefore, our study adds to our understanding of the nature of RA in the region.…”