Reduction of PWV in patients* using TNF inhibitors versus controls (−0.50±0.78 m/s vs 0.05±0.54 m/s; p=0.002).

Reduction in endothelial dysfunction† (0.987, 95% CI (0.64 to 1.33), p < 0.0001).

30% reduction in cerebrovascular disease (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.90), 41% reduction in acute myocardial infarction (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.97) and 43% for stroke (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.92).*

A greater reduction in PWV was found for etanercept and adalimumab versus infliximab.†

Both certolizumab* and golimumab* have studies which describe their cardiovascular safety. However, more studies are needed to evaluate their impact on PWV.

Reduction on cIMT progression (−0.002 (–0.038, 0.030) mm vs 0.030 (0.011, 0.043) mm, respectively; p=0.01).

Improvement in FMD 14 days (mean±SD): 6.1%±3.9%; median: 5.7%) and 12 months (mean±SD: 7.4%±2.8%; median: 6.9% at month 12) after day 0 (mean: 4.5%±4.0%; median: 3.6%; p=0.03 and p<0.001, respectively) in non-responders to conventional treatment.

A 30%, 22% and 81% improvement on FMD was documented at weeks 2, 6 and 16 of treatment, respectively, (3.92%±1.47 vs 7.24%±3.35, p=0.02 for week 16).†

A tendency towards a reduction in PWV and AIX was observed, nonetheless studies with a greater number of patients are needed.†

In responders to treatment, it improves the elastic properties in the major arteries with decreased stiffness (SI decreased by 57%) and arterioles (RI decreased by 24%).

Significant reduction on cIMT to responders to treatment at 6 months by 11%. Also, there was a correlation between decreasing cIMT and IgM RF levels (r=0.49, p<0.001).

In patients treated for 1 year, significant reduction in PWV and blood pressure levels, without significant changes in TC, HDL-c or TC/HDL-c.

Lipid profile components are higher in patients using tocilizumab without a clear relation with a higher cardiovascular risk.†

Improvement in FMD after 6 months of treatment (3.3%±0.8 vs 5.2%±1.9, p=0.003) and a reduction in PWV (8.2±1.2 vs 7.0±1.0 m/s, p<0.001).†

There is a tendency in favour of tocilizumab regarding its effects on arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, however more studies with a higher number of patients are needed.†

When compared with rituximab and abatacept in the multivariate analysis, at 3 months, patients treated with tocilizumab had a significant higher reduction of CVD risk by PWV.

Blood pressure levels where significantly lower after 3 months of treatment compared with abatacept.

There is a tendency in favour of tocilizumab regarding its effects on arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, however more studies with a higher number of patients are needed.†

Significant reduction in PWV after 6 months of treatment documented on a small study (n=21)(8.5±3.9 vs 9.8±2.9 m/s, p=0.02).†

More studies are needed to establish its effect.

Improvement of FMD (5.3%±3.0 vs 9.7%±3.3, p<0.001), compared with placebo (5.3%±3.0 vs 4.8%±2.7, p=0.9).† Additional studies also found an improvement in FMD.

No impact has been observed in PWV.

An elevation in HDL and LDL along with triglycerides is documented without a rise in LDL/HDL ratio. This effect could be related to a downregulated IL-6 response. In spite of this, there is a reduction in cardiovascular risk and cIMT.†

There is a lower incidence of cerebrovascular disease similar to that of TNF inhibitors. However, studies with a longer follow-up time to observe cardiovascular safety on RA are needed as are studies evaluating its impact on PWV.

For patients who had cIMT >1.10 mm at baseline, after a year of treatment; cIMT and AIX@75 had a significant decrease (cIMT 0.05±0.026 mm; p<0.05 and 38.89±3.59 and 35.22%±4.85%, p<0.01).

An upregulating effect on TC levels has been identified, without a demonstrated increase in CVD risk.