Anti-TNF drugs and cardiovascular events in patients with spondyloarthritis

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular (CVS) diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased CVS risk including stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) (1-3). CVS risk factors and CVS events are common in SpA (4). Delineating the CVS risk and the association with medications in patients with SpA would be useful.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to delineate the CVS risk and the association with medications in patients with SpA.

Methods: Patients with SpA and patients with non-specific back pain (NSBP) were identified in rheumatology and orthopedics clinics respectively. Clinical information and CVS events were retrieved. Incidence rates were calculated. Association analysis was performed to determine the CVS risk of SpA and other modifiable risk factors.

Results: A total of 5046 patients (SpA 2616 and NSBP 2430) were included from eight centers. Over 56 484 person-years of follow-up, 160 strokes, 84 MI and 262 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were identified. Hypercholesterolemia was more prevalent in SpA (SpA 34.2%, NSBP 28.7%, P<0.01). Crude incidence rates of stroke and MI were higher in SpA patients. SpA was associated with a higher risk of MACE (HR 1.66, 95%CI 1.22-2.27, P<0.01) and cerebrovascular events (HR 1.42, 95%CI 1.01-2.00, p=0.04). The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs was associated with a reduced risk of MACE (HR 0.37, 95%CI 0.17-0.80, P=0.01) and cerebrovascular events (HR 0.21, 95%CI 0.06-0.78, P=0.02).

Conclusion: SpA is an independent CVS risk factor. Anti-TNF drugs were associated with a reduced CVS risk in these patients.