AtherosclerosesNCT07772466
Atherosclerosis in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Using Atherogenic Index of the Plasma and Carotid Intima Media Thickness
An observational study of Atheroscleroses and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA, run by Assiut University.
Trial summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the peripheral joints, yet its extra-articular burden particularly on the cardiovascular (CV) system has emerged as its most consequential long-term complication . Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Atheroscleroses, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2026to 30 Dec 2028
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- All sexes
- Adult
Study population: adult patients presented to rheumatology department with early rheumatoid arthritis
Who may be able to join
- for cases (Rheumatoid Arthritis patients)
- Patients fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for RA
- Disease duration of ≤6 months from the onset of symptoms (early RA)
- For Controls (Healthy Subjects):
- Healthy volunteers aged 18 to 49 years with no known inflammatory, autoimmune, or chronic disease.
- Age- and sex-matched (within ±2 years) to case subjects
Who cannot join
- Established cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or heart failure).
- Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, and Dyslipidaemia on lipid-lowering therapy (statins, fibrates, niacin, or omega-3 agents), as these agents directly modify AIP values.
- Chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and Hepatic disease, thyroid dysfunction, or any other significant endocrine disorder.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Other connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome).
- Other inflammatory arthropathies (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis).
About this study
Official title: Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Carotid Intima-media Thickness as Predictors of Preclinical Atherosclerosis in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Younger Than 50 Years of Age
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the peripheral joints, yet its extra-articular burden particularly on the cardiovascular (CV) system has emerged as its most consequential long-term complication . Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 40% of all deaths in RA patients, making it the leading cause of mortality .This excess CV risk is estimated to be 1.5 to 2 times higher than in the general population .The overall CV risk conferred by RA has been linked in magnitude to that of diabetes mellitus, underscoring RA as an independent cardiovascular risk factor formally recognised in the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on CVD prevention .
In this context, the non-invasive detection of preclinical atherosclerosis before the onset of clinical CV events has become clinical priority. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography, is a well-validated surrogate marker of early structural arterial wall changes that independently predicts future myocardial infarction and stroke .Multiple studies have documented significantly elevated CIMT in RA patients compared with age- and sex-matched controls; studies found higher CIMT values across all age groups in RA, with values increasing in proportion to disease severity as assessed by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints .
The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) defined as the base-10 logarithm of the triglyceride-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio has emerged as a calculated composite biomarker reflecting lipoprotein particle atherogenicity, particularly the preponderance of small, dense LDL particles .A high AIP (>0.21) has been independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events beyond the predictive capacity of conventional lipid panels .
- Conditions
- Atheroscleroses, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA
- Medical subject headings
- Atherosclerosis, Arthritis, Rheumatoid
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| early Rheumatoid arthritis patients younger than 50 years of age | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
atherosclerosis assessment in early diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Mean Atherogenic Index of Plasma Unitless (ratio / calculated index)
- Mean Carotid Intima-Media Thickness measured in mm via ultrasonography
Measured: • Disease duration of ≤6 months from the onset of symptoms
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 May 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for AtherosclerosesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Assiut UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Shenouda Heshmat Abdou, Assiut University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07772466
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- atherosclerosis in early RA
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 19 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Rajabzadeh F, Akhlaghipour I, Moosavi SS, Nasimi Shad A, Babazadeh Baghan A, Shariati-Sarabi Z, Payandeh A, Hassan Nejad E. Comparison of the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A single-center cross-sectional case-control study, and a brief review of the literature. Health Sci Rep. 2023 Nov 16;6(11):e1718. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1718. eCollection 2023 Nov.
PubMed 38028704Xu C, Xu S, Mai P, Tang J, Xu J, Zhang H. Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and abdominal aortic calcification in adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2024 Sep 6;24(1):2431. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19862-3.
PubMed 39243068Drosos AA, Venetsanopoulou AA, Pelechas E, Voulgari PV. Exploring Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Eur J Intern Med. 2024 Oct;128:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.07.016. Epub 2024 Jul 23.
PubMed 39048336Solomon DH, Demler O, Rist PM, Santacroce L, Tawakol A, Giles JT, Liao KP, Bathon JM. Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From the TARGET Trial. J Am Heart Assoc. 2024 Mar 5;13(5):e032095. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.123.032095. Epub 2024 Feb 28.
PubMed 38416140Farhat H, Irfan H, Muthiah K, Pallipamu N, Taheri S, Thiagaraj SS, Shukla TS, Gutlapalli SD, Giva S, Penumetcha SS. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Dec 8;14(12):e32308. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32308. eCollection 2022 Dec.
PubMed 36632250
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Carotid Intima-media Thickness as Predictors of Preclinical Atherosclerosis in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Younger Than 50 Years of Age
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07772466
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- atherosclerosis in early RA
- Conditions
- Atheroscleroses, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 May 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the peripheral joints, yet its extra-articular burden particularly on the cardiovascular (CV) system has emerged as its most consequential long-term complication . Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 40% of all deaths in RA patients, making it the leading cause of mortality .This excess CV risk is estimated to be 1.5 to 2 times higher than in the general population .The overall CV risk conferred by RA has been linked in magnitude to that of diabetes mellitus, underscoring RA as an independent cardiovascular risk factor formally recognised in the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on CVD prevention .
In this context, the non-invasive detection of preclinical atherosclerosis before the onset of clinical CV events has become clinical priority. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography, is a well-validated surrogate marker of early structural arterial wall changes that independently predicts future myocardial infarction and stroke .Multiple studies have documented significantly elevated CIMT in RA patients compared with age- and sex-matched controls; studies found higher CIMT values across all age groups in RA, with values increasing in proportion to disease severity as assessed by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints .
The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) defined as the base-10 logarithm of the triglyceride-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio has emerged as a calculated composite biomarker reflecting lipoprotein particle atherogenicity, particularly the preponderance of small, dense LDL particles .A high AIP (>0.21) has been independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events beyond the predictive capacity of conventional lipid panels .
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| early Rheumatoid arthritis patients younger than 50 years of age | – | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- adult patients presented to rheumatology department with early rheumatoid arthritis
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- for cases (Rheumatoid Arthritis patients)
- Patients fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for RA
- Disease duration of ≤6 months from the onset of symptoms (early RA)
- Healthy volunteers aged 18 to 49 years with no known inflammatory, autoimmune, or chronic disease.
- Age- and sex-matched (within ±2 years) to case subjects
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Established cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or heart failure).
- Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, and Dyslipidaemia on lipid-lowering therapy (statins, fibrates, niacin, or omega-3 agents), as these agents directly modify AIP values.
- Chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and Hepatic disease, thyroid dysfunction, or any other significant endocrine disorder.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Other connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
atherosclerosis assessment in early diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis
Time frame: • Disease duration of ≤6 months from the onset of symptoms
* Mean Atherogenic Index of Plasma Unitless (ratio / calculated index) * Mean Carotid Intima-Media Thickness measured in mm via ultrasonography
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Aug 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 38028704Rajabzadeh F, Akhlaghipour I, Moosavi SS, Nasimi Shad A, Babazadeh Baghan A, Shariati-Sarabi Z, Payandeh A, Hassan Nejad E. Comparison of the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A single-center cross-sectional case-control study, and a brief review of the literature. Health Sci Rep. 2023 Nov 16;6(11):e1718. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1718. eCollection 2023 Nov.
- Results publication: PubMed 39243068Xu C, Xu S, Mai P, Tang J, Xu J, Zhang H. Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and abdominal aortic calcification in adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2024 Sep 6;24(1):2431. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19862-3.
- Results publication: PubMed 39048336Drosos AA, Venetsanopoulou AA, Pelechas E, Voulgari PV. Exploring Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Eur J Intern Med. 2024 Oct;128:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.07.016. Epub 2024 Jul 23.
- Results publication: PubMed 38416140Solomon DH, Demler O, Rist PM, Santacroce L, Tawakol A, Giles JT, Liao KP, Bathon JM. Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From the TARGET Trial. J Am Heart Assoc. 2024 Mar 5;13(5):e032095. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.123.032095. Epub 2024 Feb 28.
- Results publication: PubMed 36632250Farhat H, Irfan H, Muthiah K, Pallipamu N, Taheri S, Thiagaraj SS, Shukla TS, Gutlapalli SD, Giva S, Penumetcha SS. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Dec 8;14(12):e32308. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32308. eCollection 2022 Dec.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Atheroscleroses and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA, run by Assiut University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
atherosclerosis assessment in early diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis (time frame: • Disease duration of ≤6 months from the onset of symptoms). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07772466, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Aug 2026.