Adding high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) and soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1) to standard clinical factors improved cardiovascular risk prediction accuracy from 75.8% to 80.2% in 123 rheumatoid arthritis patients who experienced heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events over follow-up. The biomarker-enhanced model showed a 16.3% net reclassification improvement, meaning it correctly reclassified patients into more appropriate risk categories. This validation represents meaningful progress toward personalized cardiovascular prevention in rheumatoid arthritis, where heart disease kills more patients than joint complications. The chronic inflammation driving RA accelerates atherosclerosis through complex pathways involving TNF-alpha signaling and cardiac injury markers like troponin. While promising, this preprint awaits peer review and the modest sample size limits generalizability. The biomarker improvement occurred only in patients who remained event-free, raising questions about clinical utility for high-risk individuals who need intervention most. Prospective trials testing whether biomarker-guided treatment decisions actually prevent cardiovascular events remain the critical next step before clinical implementation.
Two Biomarkers Boost Cardiovascular Risk Prediction 6% in Rheumatoid Arthritis
📄 Based on research published in medRxiv preprint
Read the original research →⚠️ This is a preprint — it has not yet been peer-reviewed. Results should be interpreted with caution and may change following peer review.
For informational, non-clinical use. Synthesized analysis of published research — may contain errors. Not medical advice. Consult original sources and your physician.