Carotid intima-media thickness in 100 Iraqi patients with hand osteoarthritis

Abstract EN

Background : Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a common joint disorder leading to considerable pain and with substantial impact on hand function.

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a measurable index of the presence of atherosclerosis.

Increased CIMT is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, so early diagnosis and management may improve quality of life.

Objective : To assess the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and hand osteoarthritis (HOA), and to evaluate the predictors of this relationship.

Patients and Methods : One hundred Iraqi HOA patients and 100 healthy controls were included in this study.

Full history was taken and complete clinical examination was done for all patients.

Disease characteristics [age, sex, duration, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, family history of HOA, smoking history, lipid lowering agent use] were also documented.

Laboratory analysis included complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipid profile.

Individuals in both groups were assessed for CIMT by B-mode ultrasonography.

X-rays of both hands was taken for patients and was graded according Kellgrenand Lawrence scale.

Results : Fifty five (55 %) Iraqi HOA patients have increased CIMT compared with 38 % of controls (p = 0.02).

There was no statistical significant association between increased CIMT and HOA radiographical grading (p = 0.72).

The lipid profile was the only predictor of increased CIMT in patients with HOA [p = 0.02, OR (95 % CI) = 3.24 (1.20-8.75)] Conclusions : There is increased frequency of increased CIMT (55 %) in Iraqi patients with HOA.

Abnormal lipid profile is the only significant predictor of increased CIMT.