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The Frequency of Cardiovascular Diseases in Rheumatoid Arthritis in Brazil: 10-year Cohort Study with DATASUS Databases

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Cardiovascular outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been extensively explored in the literature concerning biological factors. Objectives This nationwide retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the distribution of cardiovascular events in patients with RA in Brazil, assisted by the Unified Health System (SUS), and to identify factors associated with these outcomes. Methods Patients aged ≥ 18 years were identified from the Brazilian Unified Health System Database (DATASUS) through RA ICD-10 codes and their therapeutic procedures according to SUS guidelines. RA patients treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were categorized as biological users and non-biological (synthetic) users. Cardiovascular outcomes, including acute coronary artery disease (ACAD), heart failure, and cerebrovascular accident (CVA), were analyzed. Patients were also categorized based on treatment patterns (switch or constant users). Socioeconomic status was assessed using the FIRJAN Municipal Development Index (IFDM). Descriptive analyses identified population distribution and cardiovascular outcomes, and multiple logistic regression explored associated factors. The statistical significance adopted was p < 0.05. Results Among the 4,321 patients with RA treated with DMARDS, 198 cardiovascular outcomes (4.68%) were identified. The majority were female (3,398 [80.3%]) with a mean age of 54.2 (standard deviation 12.8) years, predominantly from the Southeast Region (2,421 [57.2%]). The predominant overall IFDM was > 0.8 (47.5%). Advanced age, the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, and the use of synthetic DMARDs were associated with cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusion Cardiovascular outcomes in patients with RA are common and are associated with age, comorbidities, and the drugs used for treatment.

Source: Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia

DOI: 10.36660/abc.20240313i

Authors: Roberto Gamarski, Fernando Ferreira de Castro, Jose Antonio Sena do Nascimento, Mirhelen Mendes de Abreu

Institution: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Language: English

Topic: Rheumatoid Arthritis Research and Therapies

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4408851244