Bepalen cardiovasculair risico bij reumapatiënten: resultaten uit trials niet afwachten

Cardiovascular risk management is clearly indicated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) today because this risk is comparable to patients with diabetes. Although formal evidence of cardiovascular endpoint trials with statins and/or antihypertensives is lacking in patients with RA, there are no indications that these drugs will have limited effect. In contrast, there is accumulating evidence as to the efficacy of the use of these drugs in RA that is at least comparable to their effects in the general population. All patients with RA should therefore receive cardiovascular risk-management therapy aimed at powerful suppression of the chronic inflammatory process as well as treatment with statins and/or antihypertensives, if indicated. Obviously, monitoring in the clinical setting is necessary to document if such therapy does indeed reduce cardiovascular disease in patients with RA.

Conflict of interest: Dr M.T. Nurmohamed has received remuneration for consultancy, giving lectures or visiting conferences from Roche, Schering-Plough, BMS, UCB, Wyeth, Pfizer, MSD and Abbott. Through his institution, he has received grants from Roche, Abbott, Pfizer and UCB. Financial support for this article: none declared.