Tocilizumab Effect on Lipid Profile in Correlation to Cardiovascular Events: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective. To study the effect of tocilizumab initiation on the lipid profile, in correlation to a composite of any cardiovascular events. Methods. A retrospective cohort study, using data from the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre database, from January 2014 to December 2019. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were >= 18 years old, initiated either on tocilizumab or other biologic treatment (anti-TNFs or Rituximab), were included, with a follow-up interval duration at a minimum of 6-12 months up to 3-5 years. Any patient with established cardiovascular disease or aged Results. Only one cardiovascular mortality was reported in the tocilizumab group. Fifty percent of patients reached high cholesterol levels >= 5.2 mmol/L and LDL >= 3.37 mmol/L in the tocilizumab group at 36 months in a shorter time period compared to controls (60 months), P 0.001. There were no significant differences between groups for statin use (27% vs. 28%) However, there was a significantly higher mean dose of atorvastatin in the tocilizumab group compared to controls (20.6 mg vs. 16.6 mg, P 0.03). Conclusion. There was a lack of evidence of increased cardiovascular risk in correlation to hyperlipidemia secondary to tocilizumab treatment.

Automated summary

The study found that tocilizumab treatment did not increase the risk of cardiovascular events in patients, although some patients experienced high cholesterol levels.