Overview

Effects of Atorvastatin on Disease Activity and HDL Cholesterol Function in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Status:
Completed

Trial end date:
2005-09-01

Target enrollment:
0

Participant gender:
All

Summary

This research evaluates the effects of a cholesterol-lowering medication, atorvastatin, on both arthritis activity and the ability of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol") to prevent changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, sometimes referred to as "bad cholesterol"), which lead to atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries." We hypothesize that atorvastatin may improve both joint inflammation and the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL cholesterol.

Phase:

Phase 4

Accepts Healthy Volunteers?

Details

Lead Sponsor:

University of California, Los Angeles

Treatments:

Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin Calcium

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Fulfill American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA

At least 18 years of age

Have RA for at least one year with ongoing active disease (active disease defined as at
least two of three: 1) ≥ six tender joints; 2) ≥ three swollen joints; 3) ≥ 45 minutes of
morning stiffness)

Taking stable doses of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy for at least 3
months prior to study entry -

Exclusion Criteria:

Unable to give informed consent

Pregnant or lactating

Eligible for pharmacologic lipid-lowering therapy per National Cholesterol Treatment
Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines

Using any lipid lowering medication

Known hepatic disease

Elevated liver transaminase levels within the past two months

Previous treatment in the last three months with hydroxychloroquine

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