Peters, M. J. L., Welsh, P. , McInnes, I. B. , Wolbink, G., Dijkmans, B. A. C., Sattar, N. and Nurmohamed, M. T. (2010) Tumour necrosis factor α blockade reduces circulating N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: results from a prospective cohort study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 69(7), pp. 1281-1285. (doi: 10.1136/ard.2009.119412) (PMID:19934107)
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Abstract
Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of heart failure and vascular events. Small increases in circulating N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with an increased risk of a cardiovascular event, and high levels signal left ventricular dysfunction. Data on the effects of tumour necrosis factor α(TNFα) blocking agents on circulating NT-proBNP levels in patients with active RA are lacking but may be informative. Methods: 171 consecutive patients with RA (28-joint disease activity score >3.2) without congestive heart failure (NYHA class III or IV) were scheduled to receive adalimumab once every 2 weeks. Serum NT-proBNP concentrations were measured simultaneously on stored baseline and 16-week samples. Paired sample t tests were used to observe differences in biomarkers before and after adalimumab administration. Correlations between the biomarkers and changes in circulating log NT-proBNP levels were evaluated with the Pearson test and multivariable linear regression analyses of correlates were performed (forward selection procedure). Results: Circulating levels of NT-proBNP decreased significantly after 16 weeks of adalimumab administration (median NT-proBNP 83.0 pg/ml vs 69.5 pg/ml, p=0.004). Changes in NT-proBNP levels were associated with changes in pulse pressure (r=0.18, p=0.02), systolic blood pressure (r=0.16, p=0.04) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r=0.18, p=0.02). On multivariable analysis, changes in pulse pressure and erythrocyte sedimentation rate remained independently associated with changes in circulating NT-proBNP levels. Conclusions: These observations show that blocking TNFα in patients with RA without evident heart failure decreases NT-proBNP levels by about 18%. This suggests no treatment-induced deterioration in cardiac function and a potential cardiovascular risk benefit.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | McInnes, Professor Iain and Welsh, Professor Paul and Sattar, Professor Naveed |
| Authors: | Peters, M. J. L., Welsh, P., McInnes, I. B., Wolbink, G., Dijkmans, B. A. C., Sattar, N., and Nurmohamed, M. T. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity |
| Journal Name: | Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases |
| Publisher: | B M J Group |
| ISSN: | 0003-4967 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1468-2060 |
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