RESEARCH - LDL cholesterol elevated in many RA patients

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LDL Cholesterol Elevated in Many RA Patients

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Oct 03 - A substantial proportion of patients with

rheumatoid arthritis have levels of LDL cholesterol that may merit

intervention, according to French researchers.

" Despite an increase in fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction in

rheumatoid arthritis, " lead investigator Dr. Soubrier told Reuters

Health, " the cardiovascular risk factors have been insufficiently assessed. "

In the September issue of the Journal of Rheumatology, Dr. Soubrier of

Hopital G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand and colleagues note that in rheumatoid

arthritis patients, cardiac mortality is higher than in the general

population and is the most common cause of death.

To determine how many such patients might have LDL-C levels that should be

lowered in accordance with expert guidelines as well as to evaluate other

risk factors, the researchers conducted a prospective cross-sectional study

involving 145 RA patients.

Of the group, 23 were already on LDL-C lowering therapy. In the remaining

122 patients, 27 (22%) were in need of such therapy. Of these 122 patients,

109 were taking a disease modifying antirheumatic drug. Tobacco use and

hypertension were among other cardiovascular risk factors.

The researchers point out that if rheumatoid arthritis were considered to be

an additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the proportion of

these patients in need of LDL-C lowering therapy would rise to 29%. If it

were to be considered a major risk factor like diabetes, as many as 70%

would need lowering therapy.

The team stresses the need " for all physicians to screen appropriately for

cardiovascular risk factors and to treat all rheumatoid patients with

abnormal lipid values. "

As Dr. Sobrier concluded, " regular lipid evaluation should be performed in

any patient with rheumatoid arthritis. If hyperlipidemia is detected, a

statin should be prescribed, bearing in mind that rheumatoid arthritis, like

hypertension, is an additional cardiovascular risk factor. "

J Rheumatol 2006;33:1766-1769.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/545475

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