Abstract :
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory joint disease, is also associated with systemic effects. Patients with RA have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality that is mainly attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both traditional and novel risk factors are implicated in causing the increased CVD risk in RA patients.
Materials and Method: Forty six RA patients, diagnosed with RA as per 1987 revised ARA criteria and forty six age and sex matched healthy controls were studied. Fasting lipid profile (Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol), inflammatory markers (high sensitivity C reactive protein [hsCRP] and fibrinogen), oxidant and antioxidant markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP]), uric acid, homocysteine and Nitric oxide (NO) were measured in all subjects.
Results: Among the traditional lipid parameters studied, triglycerides were increased in RA patients compared to controls (p=0.023). Both hsCRP (p
Keyword :
Cardiovascular Disease, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Rheumatoid Arthritis