RESEARCH - Polymyalgia rheumatica linked to peripheral artery disease

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Polymyalgia Rheumatica Linked to Peripheral Artery Disease

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Apr 13 - There is an increased risk of

peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with polymyalgia

rheumatica, Minnesota-based researchers report in a March 31st online

publication in Arthritis Research & Therapy.

Dr. J. Warrington and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic,

Rochester, came to this conclusion after studying data on 353 local

residents who had been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica during

1970-1999. They were compared with 705 subjects without the condition.

After a median follow-up of 11 years, PAD developed in 38 of the

polymyalgia patients but only 28 of the controls, for a 10-year

cumulative incidence of 8.5% and 4.1% in the two groups, respectively.

Even after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, the polymyalgia

group still had a significantly higher risk of PAD (hazard ratio,

2.40). There was no between-group difference in mortality.

Given these findings, the researchers conclude, " Future studies will

be required to understand the mechanisms underlying the excess risk of

PAD in polymyalgia rheumatica in order to identify and optimally treat

at risk polymyalgia rheumatica patients. "

Meanwhile, Dr. Warrington told Reuters Health, " Caregivers should be

vigilant for symptoms and/or signs of PAD so that appropriate

evaluation and therapy can be instituted. In such patients,

cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes should be tightly

controlled. "

Arthritis Res Ther 2009;11.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/591012

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