| |
| This study aims to derive a more precise estimation on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and related factors. Studies published from January 1 1982 to December 31 2014 in English, which comparing CIMT between RA group and control group were searched in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library database. Heterogeneity test was performed, and publication bias was evaluated. Stata software 12.0 was used to perform the Meta-analysis. 2163 articles were obtained after searching databases, and 46 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. The result of analysis in random effect model showed that RA group had significantly higher CIMT than control group, with the SMD(standardized mean difference) of 1.07 and 95%CI (0.84，1.30). To evaluate the stability of our results, sensitivity analyses were performed, and the results showed no significant change when any one study was excluded. Subgroup analyses showed that region, race, age, BMI and disease duration were associated with CIMT in RA patients. In summary, CIMT in RA patients is thicker than healthy controls, and it is influenced by region, race, age, BMI and disease duration.(10 Points, Times New Roman) |
|
| Keywords:rheumatoid arthritis; carotid intima-media thickness; Meta-analysis |
|
