Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists May Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes in Inflammatory Disorders

New findings increase hope that these anti-TNF agents will reduce risk in psoriasis patients.

Multiple studies have shown an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in patients with inflammatory disorders, including psoriatic disease. Researchers have found that methotrexate treatment of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis reduces cardiovascular risk (J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 52:262). Others have reported similar reductions with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists.

Investigators in Norway have now compared aortic stiffness in recipients and nonrecipients of TNF antagonists in a controlled study of 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic arthritis. Measurement of aortic stiffness is noninvasive; testing was performed at entry and at 3 months. Treated patients received adalimumab (16 patients), e…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)