Determinants of mortality among postmenopausal women in the women's health initiative who report rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. We measured anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody levels and determined use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) among women in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Using these data, we undertook this study to assess total mortality over 10 years of followup among white, black, or Hispanic women with self-reported RA in the WHI.

Methods

Using stored baseline serum, we measured anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor (RF), and antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in 9,988 women who reported having RA. Based on a previous chart review study, probable RA was defined as either self-reported RA and anti-CCP positivity, or anti-CCP negativity and DMARD use.

SUBMITTER: Kuller LH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5638120 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature