Abstract
Background Pts with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) that cannot be explained by traditional risk factors only. Its relevant to search novel cardiovascular risk markers in those pts. Objectives We aimed to evaluate carotid atherosclerosis presence in females with SLE and its relationship with traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors. Methods 52 females with low-activity SLE (the median age – 48.2 [41.8; 52.9] years, the median duration of SLE 89.4 [68.9; 101.5] month) without verificated coronary artery disease were enrolled. Control group included 30 pts without SLE compared by risk factors profile. The cardiovascular risk was calculated using SCORE. The total cholesterol (TC), lipoproteins, triglycerides (TG) were measured in the blood. Carotid ultrasound, endothelial-dependent flow mediated vasodilatation (EDVD) by D. Celermajer method were performed. In all pts was calculated body mass index (BMI) and measured blood pressure (BP). All pts received steroid therapy. Results High levels of TC, LDL and TG were in 55.8%, 61.5% and 25% of pts with SLE (the median levels 5.9 [5.2; 6.4] mmol/l, 4.1 [3.7; 4.6] mmol/l and 1.8 [1.3; 2.4] mmol/l respectively). The obesity and hypertension were estimated in 51.9% and 63.5% respectively (median BMI – 31.6 [28.4; 33.2] kg/m2, median systolic BP – 154,2 [138.4; 162.3] mm Hg, median diastolic BP – 90.2 [82.4; 93.7] mm Hg). EDVD was impaired in 32.6% pts with SLE and 16.7% control pts (p 0.05). The presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in females with low-activity SLE was associated with endothelial dysfunction (OR=2.5, p=0.002), obesity (OR=1.5, p=0.004), duration of steroid therapy (OR=2.8, p=0.0005). Conclusion Females with low-activity SLE and moderate cardiovascular risk level are characterized by high frequency of carotid atherosclerosis. The carotid ultrasound may be useful additional tool for the evaluating of cardiovascular risk in these patients. Disclosure of Interests None declared
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