Key result
Biologic treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased HDL-C (MD -0.10; 95% CI -0.14 to -0.05; P<0.0001) and LDL-C, but increased inner carotid artery thickness.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biologic therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis patients to determine its clinical efficacy.
Does biologic therapy improve cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
Meta-Analysis
Does biologic therapy improve cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
Biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis patients may improve certain lipid profiles (lowering LDL-C and triglycerides) but could adversely affect cardiovascular health by increasing inner carotid artery thickness.
Mixed effects on lipids and carotid thickness with biologics in RA warrant caution; leaves open net cardiovascular impact.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of biologic therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis patients to determine its clinical efficacy. METHODS: Relevant literature was systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Meta-analysis was conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were assessed. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: The meta-analysis revealed that biologic treatment in RA patients was associated with decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to controls (MD: -0.10, 95% CI: [-0.14, -0.05], P<0.0001). Subgroup analysis based on treatment duration showed heterogeneity and a potential decrease in total cholesterol levels after 12 months of treatment (MD = -0.03, 95% CI [-0.21, -0.15], P = 0.76). Biologic therapy significantly reduced triglyceride levels compared to controls (MD = -0.23, 95% CI [-0.37, -0.09], P = 0.001), as observed in subgroup analysis. Moreover, biologics effectively decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (MD: -0.10, 95% CI: [-0.14, -0.05], P<0.0001). However, biologic treatment was associated with increased inner carotid artery thickness (MD: 0.05, 95% CI: [0.03, 0.07], P<0.0001), indicating potential adverse effects on cardiovascular health. No significant effect on pulse wave velocity (PWV) was observed (MD: -0.23, 95% CI: [-0.80, 0.34], P = 0.43, I2 = 0%, P = 0.55). CONCLUSION: Biologic agents may improve lipid profiles in RA patients but could also have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the impact of biologic therapy on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular outcomes in RA patients. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42024504911.
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Jia et al. (2024) conducted a meta-analysis in rheumatoid arthritis. biologic agents vs. controls was evaluated on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (MD -0.10, 95% CI -0.14, -0.05, p=<0.0001). Biologic treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased HDL-C (MD -0.10; 95% CI -0.14 to -0.05; P<0.0001) and LDL-C, but increased inner carotid artery thickness.
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