INCREASED LIVER DISEASE RISK IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE ACTIVITY, INFLAMMATORY MARKERS, INSULIN RESISTANCE AND ACPAS. INFLUENCE OF METHOTREXATE

Abstract

Background: Liver alterations, especially nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This abnormality appears as asymptomatic and can progress to a severe liver damage rapidly. Chronic inflammation, treatment with methotrexate (MTX) or even autoimmunity are factors that might be involved, however the mechanisms related to this comorbidity in RA are not completely stablished yet. Objectives: 1) To evaluate the liver disease risk in RA patients through feasible indexes to be used in the daily clinical practice and its relationship with clinical features of the disease; 2) To analyze the impact of antibodies to citrullinated proteins antigens (ACPAs) on hepatic function; 3) To examine the influence of MTX treatment on classical parameters and new indexes of hepatic dysfunction in a cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort.