In a nutshell
This study examined whether treatment with biological therapy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Some background
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels and can lead to heart failure or stroke. The narrowing of arteries is due to the build-up of fats (such as cholesterol) on the walls of arteries. This leads to increased stiffness of the arteries and an increased risk of developing CVD.
New biological therapies for RA include rituximab (Rituxin), abatacept (Orencia) and tocilizumab (Atlizumab). It is believed that some biological therapies may reduce the risk of CVD.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether rituximab, abatacept or tocilizumab could reduce the risk of CVD.
This study involved 3 groups. 24 participants received rituximab, 5 participants received abatacept and 7 received tocilizumab. Patients receiving abatacept and tocilizumab were followed for 3 to 6 months. Patients recieving rituximab were followed for 12 months after beginning the study.
After 3 months, tocilizumab was associated with a decrease in arterial stiffness. However, after 12 months, rituximab was associated with a decrease in arterial stiffness.
The bottom line
This study concluded that treatment with rituximab and tocilizumab reduces arterial stiffness, and therefore the CVD risk, in RA patients.
The fine print
The sample size was quite small and should ideally be larger. In addition, a control group should have been established to compare CVD risk in those receiving a biological therapy to those not receiving a biological therapy.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the benefits of rituximab and tocilizumab in reducing CVD.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Jun 26, 2015
