Correlation Between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and the Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 1-Year Cross-Sectional Study
Journal Title: Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society - Year 2018, Vol 30, Issue 3
Abstract
Background and objectives: Among several noninvasive techniques available, a high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography is the widely used technique to measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with elevated cardiovascular risk. The present study was undertaken to explore the clinical relationship between CIMT and disease activity in patients with RA. Methods: This study involved 50 adult patients with RA. Demographic, physical, systemic, and clinical data and history of the patients were recorded. Investigations, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, renal and liver function tests, RA factor, and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody tests were performed. CIMT was assessed using highresolution B-mode ultrasonography and the disease severity was assessed based on disease activity score (DAS) 28. Results: The mean age of the RA patients was 49.88 ± 12.12 years with male predilection. The mean duration, mean European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria score, and mean DAS 28 score in RA patients were 3.62 ± 3.25 years, 8.10 ± 1.58, and 4.91 ± 1.11, respectively. The mean CIMT observed in RA patients was 0.94 ± 0.31 cm. Significant difference was observed in the mean CIMT values of different variables, including duration of joint pain (P = 0.007), tender joint count (P < 0.001), swollen joint count (P < 0.001), EULAR criteria score (P < 0.001), and DAS 28 score (P < 0.001). Also, CIMT correlated positively with tender joint count (r = 0.711; P < 0.001), swollen joint count (r = 0.673; P < 0.001), EULAR criteria score (r = 0.611; P < 0.001), and DAS 28 score (r = 0.729; P < 0.001). Conclusion: A strong correlation was observed between CIMT and disease activity in patients with RA. Hence, CIMT can be a useful surrogate marker for detecting atherosclerosis in patients with RA.
Authors and Affiliations
Arif Maldar, Suhas M
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP450361
- DOI 10.26715/jbms.3_28122018
- Views 109
- Downloads 0
Patterns and Practice of Complementary Feeding in Children in Primary Care in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Background and objectives: Complementary food patterns play a fundamental role in infant growth and health, especially in the first two years of life. This study aimed to explore the pattern and practice of complementary...
Impact of Fetal Diagnosis on Neonates with Congenital Heart Defects in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Background and objectives: Fetal echocardiography is used for prenatal diagnosis of congenital cardiac malformations. The impact on the neonatal outcomes in the Middle East remains unknown; therefore, the study aimed to...
Awareness of Heart Attack Symptoms Among Bahraini Adults Attending Primary Healthcare Centers
Background and objectives: Worldwide, mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a concern of great magnitude. The mortality rate in Bahrain, due to CVD, was 19.5%, 32%, and 21.5% in the years 2005, 2011, and 2013...
Psychometric Assessment of Daily Life Properties in Relation to Severity of Depression at Outpatient Clinic in Bahrain Defense Force Hospital
Background and objectives: According to the WHO Global Burden of Disease, the lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is about 15%. Most of the MDD patients ranging between 18–45 years cause economic and s...
Evaluation of Satisfaction Level of Sickle Cell Disease Patients Regarding the Healthcare Services in Bahrain: A Cross-sectional Study
Background and objective: Sickle cell disease (SCD) has a relatively higher incidence in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The disease causes frequent crisis that may require hospitalization. The study aimed to evaluate the satisf...