Health researchers have made an important discovery about the use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For those who are not familiar with these drugs, bDMARDs are typically used to prevent the development of joint damage. These drugs are different from common medicines used to ease pain and other symptoms of patients suffering from joint damage. bDMARDs work by preventing certain substances in the immune system.
According to a recent observational cohort study, if RA (rheumatoid arthritis) patients use bDMARDs, the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) can be reduced.
The study involved data from an international registry of patients across 10 countries from 13 different health centers. In their study, they discovered that the use of bDMARDs was associated with lower rates of MACE.
Key Takeaways
bDMARDs have been found to reduce heart disease risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- A recent study discovered that bDMARDs can lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in RA patients.
- Individuals who used bDMARDs had noticeably lower incident rates for MACE and ischemic cardiovascular events than those who did not use these medications.
- The available evidence suggests that bDMARDs directly influence arterial wall inflammation, which may contribute to their heart disease-reducing effects.
bDMARDs study’s findings
The new study was published in the Cardiology Advisor. Involved researchers analyzed data from 4,370 patients with RA who were followed for a cumulative total of 26,534 patient-years. The majority of the patients were 55 years old and over 26% of them were men. During this time, there were 239 episodes of MACE and 362 episodes of ischemic cardiovascular events (iCVE).
Higher disease activity and CRP at baseline are associated with a greater risk of MACE in bDMARD non-users but not in users.
The authors
Individuals who used bDMARDs had noticeably lower incident rates for MACE and iCVE than people who did not use these medications. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was similar for both patients using bDMARDs and those who did not.
The available evidence implies that bDMARDs directly influence the process of arterial wall inflammation and have an impact on the structure, stability, and biological characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques. Health experts also found that higher disease activity and elevated CRP levels at baseline were associated with an increased risk of MACE in non-users but not in users of bDMARDs.
bDMARDs’ health benefits need further studies
While the study’s findings are promising, there are some limitations to consider. The researchers noted that the study may have referral bias and variations in patient surveillance, which could affect the results.
The available information on cardiovascular risk factors and the use of bDMARDs was not comprehensive enough to accurately inform the analysis. Finally, the small overall number of events limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the study.
Although more research and observations are still needed, the new study has important implications for patients with RA who are at risk of cardiovascular disease. bDMARDs may offer a way to reduce this risk and improve outcomes for these patients.
In conclusion, the use of bDMARDs may help reduce major adverse cardiovascular risks in patients with RA. This discovery has important implications for the management of RA and highlights the need for further research into the effects of bDMARDs on cardiovascular health.
By reducing inflammation and improving disease activity, bDMARDs may offer a new tool for managing RA and preventing heart disease. The relationship between bDMARD use and MACE risk is multifaceted and subject to a range of influences, encompassing both the underlying characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the specific effects of these medications on systemic inflammation and cardiovascular health.
However, the study’s findings indicate that bDMARDs may exert a direct influence on reducing systemic inflammation and enhancing cardiovascular health outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, thereby potentially lowering their risk of experiencing major adverse cardiovascular events.
The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated, as it highlights a critical need for ongoing research into the impact of bDMARDs on cardiovascular health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Through a better understanding of how bDMARDs may help reduce the risk of MACE events in RA patients, healthcare professionals can develop more targeted strategies for managing these individuals and minimizing their risk of cardiovascular complications.
Ultimately, this research adds significantly to their understanding of the multifaceted relationship between rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular health.
