Date of Award
Spring 5-2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Field of Study
Primary Care Clinical Research
Department
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Kimberly Fulda
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in autoimmune patients. This study strives to: 1) determine if autoimmune disease is associated with a coronary calcium score (CAC) > 0; 2) determine if autoimmune disease is associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen levels; and 3) determine if Il-6, CRP, and fibrinogen mediate the relationship between autoimmune disease and CAC. This is a crosssectional study using data obtained from the North Texas Healthy Heart study. Autoimmune disease was present in 118 individuals. Autoimmune status was not significant in predicting presence of CAC > 0, IL-6, or CRP levels in the adjusted model. Autoimmune status, however, was a significant predictor of fibrinogen levels. IL-6, CRP, and fibrinogen did not act as mediators as there was not a significant change in the association between autoimmune status and CAC when these inflammatory markers were added to the model.
Recommended Citation
Patel, S.
,
"Relationship Between Autoimmune Disease, Coronary Calcium Score and Inflammatory Mediators." Fort Worth, Tx: University of North Texas Health Science Center;
(2010).
http://digitalcommons.hsc.unt.edu/theses/62