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Atherosclerosis risk higher in Sjögren’s syndrome patients with low ABI, positive autoantibodies
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Patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome with positive autoantibodies demonstrated a low ankle-brachial index, which likely represents a higher chance for early atherosclerosis, according to recently published results.
Researchers evaluated 49 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome for traditional risk factors of asymptomatic atherosclerosis, which included hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking and family history of atherosclerosis. Investigators also recorded clinical and laboratory data and calculated the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). Ultrasounds and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were used to measure the carotid-media thickness to evaluate for atherosclerosis.
Results showed 15 patients had at least one traditional risk factor. Investigators noted approximately 65% of patients had mild to moderate disease activity and the average ESSDAI score was 2.41. Intimal carotid thickness was only seen in two patients. There were 60% of patients who had changes in the ABI. A clear association between low ABI and positivity of autoantibodies was seen with multiple correspondence analysis. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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