TNF Therapy May Protect The Heart

Tanaka Y, Hirata S, Kubo S, et al. Discontinuation of adalimumab after achieving remission in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis: 1-year outcome of the HONOR study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013 Nov 28.

 Abstract

Cardio-protective Effects

TNF inhibitor therapy may provide cardioprotective effects that extend beyond their clinical effects on joint disease, according to data presented at recent conferences. In a cohort of 1829 patients without pre-existing coronary artery disease, risk of incident coronary artery disease was reduced by 46% in those using TNF inhibitors compared with nonusers.77 Risk was reduced by 76% in patients who used TNF inhibitors for more than 24 months.  In a multivariate regression model that included more than 109,400 patients, cumulative use of TNF inhibitors for 1, 2, and 3 years was associated with a risk reduction in cardiovascular events of 24%, 42%, and 56%, respectively, compared with not using TNF inhibitors.  Cardiovascular disease as a comorbidity in patients with RA will be discussed in more detail in POSSIBLE LINKChapter 5.1, Monitoring and Treatment of Comorbid Conditions.