The anti-inflammatory properties of simvastatin can benefit statin-naïve rheumatoid arthritis patients with associated risks for cardiovascular disease
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Date
Authors
Komolafe, Ayoola Oluwakayode
Ally, Mahmood Moosa Tar Mahomed
Van Tonder, Jacob John
Greeff, Oppel Bernhardt Wilhelm
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medpharm Publications, NISC (Pty) Ltd and Cogent, Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory properties of statins are well documented. The aim of this study was to determine if statins
may offer therapeutic benefits in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients that are also at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Methods: Patients with moderately active RA, despite being on maximum disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
therapy, and that were at risk for cardiovascular disease, were screened for inclusion. Eligible patients were randomised into two
groups. In this open-label, cross-over design patients in group 1 received simvastatin treatment (20 mg/day) for a period of 3 months in
addition to their usual DMARDs, after which they stopped simvastatin treatment and were followed up for a further 3 months while on
their usual DMARDs only. Those in group 2 were allowed to continue on their usual DMARDs without simvastatin treatment for the first
3 months of the study, after which they received 20 mg/day simvastatin for a period of 3 months in addition to their usual DMARDs.
Results: The addition of 20 mg simvastatin to conventional DMARDs produced significant improvements in all of the evaluated
parameters. These include significant improvements in DAS28 score, tender joint count, swollen joint count, CRP levels and ESR,
while patients were receiving simvastatin treatment.
Conclusions: The addition of 20 mg simvastatin to conventional DMARDs in statin-naïve RA patients at risk for cardiovascular
disease may add benefit, apart from modifying lipid profiles, by modulating immune function and suppressing disease activity.
Description
Keywords
Anti-inflammatory, Cardiovascular disease, Statins, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
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Citation
AO Komolafe, MMTM Ally, JJ Van Tonder & OBW Greeff (2015) The anti-inflammatory properties of simvastatin can benefit statin-naïve rheumatoid arthritis patients with associated risks for cardiovascular disease, South African Family Practice, 57:1, 28-30, DOI:10.1080/20786190.2014.995919.