Psoriatic arthritis patients’ cardiovascular risks aren’t spurring increased management
REPORTING FROM SPARTAN 2018
Of patients with psoriatic arthritis, 23 experienced an ASCVD event, compared with 10 patients in the control arm (OR, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-4.66). Patients with PsA appeared to experience increased risk for MI (OR, 2.5), heart failure (OR, 7.09), and cerebrovascular accident (OR, 1.96). These increased risks had confidence intervals that approached statistical significance, but did not achieve it.
“We believe that because these data approach [statistical] significance, that further studies are needed,” Dr. Ridolfi said. “Our own validation studies are currently underway.”
In part two of the study, yearly ASCVD risk outcomes were averaged over 5 years and then evaluated based on the frequency of primary care visits, lab checks for HbA1c and lipid profile, and the use of cardioprotective ancillary referrals. The researchers also investigated statin and aspirin use in primary and secondary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease per guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
Patients in both groups had similar primary care visits, HbA1c and lipid profiles, and use of cardioprotective supplements (such as fish oil and niacin). However, 36% of patients in the control arm received a nonpharmacologic ancillary referral, compared with just 11% of patients with PsA. Those referrals were in regard to weight loss and diabetes and dietary education, according to the research.
