LAUSR

We thank Dr. Cure and Dr. Cure for their helpful comments. Authors list some studies that show numerical progression of cIMT over time despite biologic treatment [2–4]. They also refer to our paper [1]. However, we must point out that the numerical mean value does not mean a lot once differences are not statistically proven. In our case, the baseline cIMT, as also mentioned in the Comments, was 0.54 ± 0.09 mm, while after 6 months it was 0.59 ± 0.11 So, as the difference is not significant, one cannot say that there was progression (increase) of cIMT. Yes, the mean values suggest numerical increase, but because of the SD values are overlapping, there is basically no difference [1]. Finally, the authors mention the lack of healthy control group. We do not think that a control group of healthy subjects would have any relevance for anti-TNF-treated arthritis patients. (Such control group would just mean cIMT and other measurements in healthy volunteers). Ours is a self-controlled study showing changes upon treatment [1].