| dc.description | Objective: Statins, which appear to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory
effects, may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA ). Our study sought to
determine the association of statins use with disease activity and functional status
in a group of patients with RA .
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 209 Puerto Ricans with RA
(per the 1987 classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology).
Demographic features, lifestyle-related behaviors, disease activity (per Disease
Activity Score 28), comorbid conditions, functional status (per Health Assessment
Questionnaire), pharmacologic therapy, and patients’ and physicians’ global
assessments using visual analogue scales, were determined. Data were examined
using univariate, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses.
Results: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the study population at study
visit was 56.8 (13.5) years (range: 24-86 years); 175 patients (83.7%) were women.
The mean (SD) disease duration was 10.4 (9.5) years (range: 0.0-44.0 years). Thirtytwo
(15.3%) patients were using statins at study visit, and 36 (17.2%) had used statins
in the past. In the multivariable analysis, the current use of statins was associated
with higher functional status (odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.22-0.80)
than was nonuse, after adjusting for age, disease duration, arterial hypertension,
coronary artery disease, and dyslipidemia. No association between either current
or past use of statins and disease activity was found.
Conclusion: In this group of RA patients, the current use of statins was associated
with a higher functional status; conversely, no association was found between statins
use and disease activity. However, larger and longitudinal studies are required to
confirm these findings. [P R Health Sci J 2014;33:3-8] | |
