Background anulomatosis with Poliangiitis (GPA) is an inflammatory disease characterized by destruction of small vessels. Patients with rheumatic diseases particularly with high inflammatory activity such as rheumatoid arthritis have increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular (CV) disease.

Objectives To analyze the prediction index of 10-year risk of a fatal cardiovascular disease events in GPA patients versus controls using the systematic coronary risk evaluation (SCORE) risk index.

Methods Thirty-five GPA patients older than 40 years (18 males, mean age 54.7±9.8 years) and thirty age and sex matched healthy controls seen at the rheumatology clinic were studied. The American College of Rheumatology and Chapel Hill Consensus Conference criteria were used for the diagnosis of GPA. Information on demographics, classic CV risk factors, and clinical features of GPA were obtained by standardized forms. Disease activity of GPA was calculated with Birmingham vasculitis activity index/Wegener (BVAS/WG). Disease and control groups were compared with non-parametric tests.

Results Calculated SCORE values of GPA patients were significantly higher compared to age and sex matched control group (Median (IQR) 2 (3) vs 1 (0), p==0.022). Seven GPA patients (20%) were above the threshold of high risk for the Turkish population. 30 out of thirty seven (81%) patients were newly diagnosed when the SCORE was calculated. There was no correlation between initial BVAS values and SCORE index.

Conclusions We found that GPA patients have a higher 10-year risk of a fatal cardiovascular disease event than healthy controls. However, the use of additional tools or modifications in the SCORE might be considered to fully identify the GPA patients with high CV risk.

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Disclosure of Interest None declared