Long-term TNF inhibition on carotid thickness | Arthritis Information

 

Ferrante A et al. - Study indicates that anti-TNF blocking agents, but not methotrexate (MTX), are capable of reducing intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries in female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pts in a 2-year follow-up.

Methods

• Aim was to evaluate the effect of TNF inhibition on carotid thickness over a 2-yr period
• 144 women with RA, w/o clinical evidence of cardiac and/or vascular disease, and 78 matched controls
• All pts received MTX (15–20 mg weekly) for 3 mo
• Responders (n=79) continued to be treated with MTX
• Non-responders (n=40) moved to MTX plus a TNF alpha antagonist
• Echosonographic studies of carotids were obtained before and after 2-yr f/u

Results

• A significant decrease of ca-IMT was observed in anti-TNF-treated pts
• No significant variation of ca-IMT was observed after 2 yrs in MTX-treated pts

http://www.springerlink.com/content/p277vj7062g36079/
This is good to know, Lynn.  I go to the cardiologist late in May and have loads of questions to ask thanks to your article.  Heart issues with RA scare me as much as the lung issues I have.  I already have a bad valve and a family history of heart disease.

Thanks again!

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