P4435Effects of interleukin 6 inhibitor tocilizumab on endothelial glycocalyx, vascular and myocardial function compared to prednisolone

Background/Introduction Tocilizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody against the human interleukin-6 receptor, is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Purpose We investigated the effects of tocilizumab on arterial function, LV myocardial deformation and endothelial glycocalyx in RA patients. Methods 80 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized to tocilizumab (n=40) or prednisolone (n=40) for 3 months. At baseline and...