Inhibition of interleukin-6 by tocilizumab improves endothelial glycocalyx and myocardial work index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background/Introduction Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor blocker is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Purpose We investigated the effects of tocilizumab on endothelial glycocalyx and myocardial function in patients with RA. Methods Eighty patients with RA (age: 64±9 years) were randomized to tocilizumab (n=40) or prednisolone (n=40)for 3 months. We measured at baseline and 3 months post-treatment: a) perfused boundary...