1.Risk of cardiovascular disease in Mongolian patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Anu G ; Tsolmon D ; Devshil Z ; Altanzul B ; Chingerel Kh ; Zulgerel D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):115-119
Background:
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In Mongolia,
the registration of inflammatory diseases is increasing every year, and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of
death.
Aim:
We aimed to determine the degree of cardiovascular risk and its correlation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted in a cross-sectional study design with 64 patients with rheumatoid
arthritis between May and November 2024. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using mSCORE and the World Health Organization (WHO) cardiovascular Risk Table. We received ethical approval to begin the research at the MNUMS meeting
on May 17, 2024 (No. 2024/3-05).
Results:
The average age of the participants was 55.2±9.7 years, and the average duration since being diagnosed with RA
was 9.8±8.0 years. Among the participants, 82.8% (n=53) were female, and 17.2% (n=11) were male. The mean WHO
risk index was 10.25±11, while the mean mSCORE risk index was 2.9±4 (p=0.001). There was a significant difference in
mSCORE scores between the 40-55 and 56-65 age groups (p<0.001). In contrast, the mSCORE risk assessment showed
that 15.6% (n=10) had high risk, and 6.3% (n=4) had very high risk. Among the parameters of inflammatory biomarkers,
CRP (OR=0.05, r=0.35, 95% CI 0.9-3.2, p=0.004) has a statistically significant difference and positive correlation, and
HDL-C (OR=2.3, r=-0.25, 95% CI 2.9- 10.0, p<0.0001) was significantly different and negatively correlated.
Conclusion
A total of 64 participants participated in our study, and according to the WHO assessment, 17.2% were at
high or very high risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years, and according to the mSCORE, 21.9%
were at high or very high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Although the degree of disease activity was not significantly associated with cardiovascular risk, the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein was statistically significantly different or positively associated with cardiovascular risk assessment.
2.The study of certain risk factors of gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia
Demchigmaa N ; Zulgerel N ; Namuuntuul D ; Tsolmon D ; Altanzul B ; Oyuntugs B ; Devshil Z
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):131-137
Background:
Gout is a chronic inflammatory joint disease that damages many joints. Monosodium urate-deposition
accumulates in the joints and soft tissues due to long-term untreated condition and leading to loss of function, further
reducing the quality of life. It is the most common inflammatory joint disease in the world. Hyperuricemia, sedentary
lifestyle including diet, obesity, and the use of certain medications are risk factors for gout. A study published in the Asia
Pacific Journal of Nutrition in 2018 found that excessive consumption of meat, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and fructose
containing drinks increases serum uric acid levels and the risk of gout.
Aim:
To investigate certain risk factors associated with gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia among study participants.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted using an analytical cross-sectional design. Data were coded, error-
checked, and analyzed using the SPSS 29.0 software.
Results:
A total of 145 individuals participated in the study, with an average age of 55.0 ± 13.9 years, and 75.2% were
male. Based on diagnostic criteria, 29.7% had gout, 35.2% had asymptomatic hyperuricemia, and 35.2% had normal uric
acid levels. The consumption of different food products over the past month was analyzed among study groups, and alcohol
intake was found to be statistically significant. A univariate regression analysis showed that obesity was associated
with hyperuricemia, male sex was associated with gout, and alcohol consumption was a potential risk factor for both
hyperuricemia and gout.
Conclusion
Among the study participants, 29.7% had gout, and 35.2% had asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Obesity, male
sex, and alcohol consumption were identified as risk factors contributing to increased serum uric acid levels and gout
development.