Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily causes joint deformities. Epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown that chronic inflammation in RA increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The physiopathology of the phenomenon has been attempted to be explained by the alteration of the lipid profile by inflammation triggered by cytokines such as tumor necrotizing factor (TNF). However, studies investigating the effect of anti-TNF agents used for treating RA on lipids are still needed. Materials and Methods Between January 2006 and March 2010, 93 RA patients admitted to the University of Health Sciences Trkiye, stanbul Kartal Dr. Ltfi Krdar Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Rheumatology Outpatient were included in the study. Anti-TNF treatment was administered to 46 patients, and 47 patients who were not administered anti-TNF were kept under control. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were evaluated separately by averaging. The mean lipid levels at the beginning of the study and 12 months later were statistically compared. RESULTS Among 93 female patients diagnosed with RA, adalimumab was administered to 18, etanercept to 18, and infliximab to 10 of 46 patients who received anti-TNF. The 47 patients who were not administered anti-TNF were kept under control. There was no statistical difference between baseline and 1-year postoperative lipid levels between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION In approximately half of patients with RA, mortality is due to cardiovascular causes. Anti-TNF agents reduce inflammation and alter the lipid profile. In the literature, studies have shown that anti-TNF therapy has a negative effect on the lipid profile. The reason for the absence of this result in our study may be the exclusion of patients with diabetes mellitus and the short duration of the study. In conclusion, we believe that monitoring lipid levels is important in patients with high cardiovascular mortality. We believe that this should be considered in the selection and continuation of treatment.
