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- Title
Clinical significance of brachial flow-mediated dilation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Authors
Watanabe, Tsuneo; Takemura, Masao; Sato, Masao; Matsunami, Hidetoshi; Seishima, Mitsuru; Shimizu, Katsuji; Matsuoka, Toshio
- Abstract
Aim This study aimed to clarify whether different anti-tumor necrosis factor ( TNF) drugs can improve endothelial function better than conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs ( DMARDs) in a series of Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA). Method Twenty-five patients who met the American College of Rheumatology 1987 revised diagnostic criteria for RA were randomly selected for this study. The percentage of brachial flow-mediated dilation (% FMD) and maximum carotid intima-media thickness were examined by ultrasonography. Results The % FMD in the group treated with anti- TNF therapy was significantly higher than that in the group treated with DMARDs ( P < 0.001). The % FMD was significantly correlated with anti- TNF therapy ( r = 0.684, P < 0.001) and Disease Activity Score C-reactive protein ( r = -0.404, P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that anti- TNF therapy was significantly associated with % FMD (β = 0.684, P < 0.001). Conclusion Anti- TNF therapy may influence endothelial function more than conventional DMARD therapy. Prospective longitudinal studies examining whether anti- TNF therapy was able to improve endothelial function are required.
- Subjects
TUMOR necrosis factors; ANTINEOPLASTIC agents; ANTIRHEUMATIC agents; RHEUMATOID arthritis; RHEUMATOLOGY
- Publication
International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 2014, Vol 17, Issue 1, p26
- ISSN
1756-1841
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/1756-185x.12021