An observational study in Atheroscleroses and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA, sponsored by Assiut University. Not yet recruiting. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-19.
Sponsored by Assiut University · Observational
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the peripheral joints, yet its extra-articular burden particularly on the cardiovascular (CV) system has emerged as its most consequential long-term complication . Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 40% of all deaths in RA patients, making it the leading cause of mortality .This excess CV risk is estimated to be 1.5 to 2 times higher than in the general population .The overall CV risk conferred by RA has been linked in magnitude to that of diabetes mellitus, underscoring RA as an independent cardiovascular risk factor formally recognised in the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on CVD prevention .
In this context, the non-invasive detection of preclinical atherosclerosis before the onset of clinical CV events has become clinical priority. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography, is a well-validated surrogate marker of early structural arterial wall changes that independently predicts future myocardial infarction and stroke .Multiple studies have documented significantly elevated CIMT in RA patients compared with age- and sex-matched controls; studies found higher CIMT values across all age groups in RA, with values increasing in proportion to disease severity as assessed by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints .
The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) defined as the base-10 logarithm of the triglyceride-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio has emerged as a calculated composite biomarker reflecting lipoprotein particle atherogenicity, particularly the preponderance of small, dense LDL particles .A high AIP (>0.21) has been independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events beyond the predictive capacity of conventional lipid panels .
adult patients presented to rheumatology department with early rheumatoid arthritis
for cases (Rheumatoid Arthritis patients)
For Controls (Healthy Subjects):
Exclusion Criteria:
atherosclerosis assessment in early diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis
* Mean Atherogenic Index of Plasma Unitless (ratio / calculated index) * Mean Carotid Intima-Media Thickness measured in mm via ultrasonography
Time frame: • Disease duration of ≤6 months from the onset of symptoms
No study locations are listed for this record.
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
Assiut University