Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the literature there are conflicting data on the use of statins in patients with RA, indicating a lack of attention to the issue of prevention of CVD in this category of patients.

Objectives The aim of the study was to improve the efficiency of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by including to the basic treatment rosuvastatin.

Methods The study included 43 patients with RA. A survey conducted by the protocol patients (DAS28 index, visual analog scale (VAS), morning stiffness). The study of lipid metabolism included: determining the level of total cholesterol (total cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (HDL) and low density (LDL), atherogenic index (AI), triglycerides (TG). Total cardiovascular risk assessment was performed using a table SCORE. Surveyed patients divided into groups: primary (n=20) (basic therapy and rosuvastatin, 10 mg 1 time per day) and comparison (n=23) (basic therapy that included methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids in medium therapeutic doses).

Results As a result of the treatment found that patients with a primary and group comparison, there was a positive dynamics of clinical indicators of inflammatory activity (DAS28, VAS, morning stiffness). In the study group experienced a significant decrease (p<0.05) at the same time as in the comparison group had a tendency to decrease. Noted a reduction parameters: CRP (Δ₁37% main group and the comparison group Δ₂21%), ESR (Δ₁39% and Δ₂26% respectively). Also noted the changes in the lipid profile. Significantly decreased in the study group performance total cholesterol (Δ₁31% versus Δ₂15%), LDL cholesterol (Δ₁19% against Δ₂8%) and AI (Δ₁29% and Δ₂16% respectively).

Conclusions Inclusion in the complex therapy of patients with RA statins contributes to a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and positively affects the activity of the process, reducing the levels of acute phase proteins. Additional indications for the purpose of statins have high activity process and late onset. The use of statins in RA, given their lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects, may be an effective means for the successful prevention of cardiovascular complications.

Disclosure of Interest None declared