AB0372 Is routine ankle-brachial pressure index evaluation useful in rheumatoid arthritis?. (23rd January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guellec, D.; Bressollette, L.; Gueguen, F.; Jousse-Joulin, S.; Marhadour, T.; Devauchelle-Pensec, V.; Saraux, A.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 71(2012)Supplement 3
• Page Start: 658
• Page End: 658
• Publication Date: 2014-01-23
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-eular.372
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for cardiovascular mortality and may therefore benefit from early atherosclerosis detection. Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) measurement can detect asymptomatic peripheral atherosclerosis, and isolated ABPI abnormalities can warrant treatment changes according to French recommendations. Objectives: To evlauate the prevalence of ABPI abnormalities in RA in routine pratice. Methods: We studied consecutive 100 patients meeting 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA when evaluated as inpatients or outpatients in November 2010 at a single rheumatology department. ABPI was measured routinely by a vascular physician. Patients were separated into three groups based on whether the ABPI was <0.9 [decreased arterial flow (DAF)], 0.9 to 1.3 (normal), or >1.3 (arterial stiffness). The three groups were compared using chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Of the 100 patients, 85 had normal ABPI values, 10 had DAF, and 5 had stiff arteries. Patients with DAF were older (69.1±12.6 years, P =0.002) and more often had a history of coronary artery disease (40%, P =0.004) compared to patients with normal arteries. The group with incompressible arteries had a larger proportion of patients with diabetes (40%, P =0.034) compared to the group with normal ABPI values. Conclusions: The prevalence of DAF is relatively high in RA, especially in older patients. DAF is strongly associated with coronary artery disease in RA patients. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared