BLOOD LIPID INDICATORS DURING BASIC THERAPY FOR EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Objective: To study blood lipid metabolism disorders in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing basic therapy. Materials and methods: The study involved 80 patients divided into 2 groups receiving antirheumatic treatment. The first group of 40 patients was prescribed leflunomide 20 mg/day as basic treatment.  The second group was prescribed leflunomide 20 mg/day as basic therapy plus rosuvastatin 20 mg/day. Patients underwent tests for CRP (C-reactive protein), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), blood lipid profile, RF (rheumatoid factor), and anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies). Results: Compared to the 1st group, the 2nd group showed significant decreases in levels of CRP, ESR, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). An increase in antiatherogenic high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was observed. Conclusion: The combined use of basic therapy and statins led to decreased arthritis activity in rheumatoid arthritis and normalization of CRP and ESR indicators.