Frequency of Dyslipidemia among patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), frequently exhibit altered lipid profiles, suggesting a complex interplay between immune response and lipid metabolism. It is well-established that RA patients often present with abnormal lipid levels; however, the precise frequency of dyslipidemia in the local population of Peshawar has not been thoroughly investigated. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of dyslipidemia among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a tertiary care set-up in Peshawar. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months from July 2022 to January 2023 in the Department of Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. A total of 185 patients with RA were included in the study using consecutive sampling. Patients were tested for dyslipidemia based on their lipid profile, including total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Dyslipidemia was defined according to standard clinical guidelines, where elevated levels of total cholesterol, TG, LDL, or decreased levels of HDL, indicated dyslipidemia. Results: The mean age of the sample was 46.4 ± 8.2 years, with 61.6% males and 38.4% females. The mean serum cholesterol was 164.5 ± 31.5 mg/dL, mean serum TG was 130.2 ± 32.6 mg/dL, mean LDL was 85.2 ± 28.1 mg/dL, and mean HDL was 53.3 ± 12.1 mg/dL. Dyslipidemia was recorded in 24.9% of the patients. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is common among RA patients in our local population. These findings suggest the need for regular lipid profile screening and early intervention in RA patients to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with dyslipidemia.