In The News: June 2011

A new study shows that systemic inflammation may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis-the buildup of plaque in artery walls-in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The data, released during a recent meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, also shows that the progression may be modified favorably by TNF inhibitors and adversely by glucocorticoids. The increased incidence of atherosclerosis in RA patients is known. However, few studies have explored the predictors of atherosclerosis change in RA patients.