The relationship between dyslipidemia and disease activity in Iranian population with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Introduction: In spite of the high prevalence of dyslipidemia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its role in patients’ cardiovascular and kidney diseases, few studies had been conducted in this regard. Objectives: We aimed to study the relation between dyslipidemia and disease activity in SLE patients in Iran. Patients and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on SLE patients. The activity of disease was determined by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). The serum level of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) were measured. The correlation between dyslipidemia and SLE disease activity was assessed. Results: Around 62 out of 71 patients (87%) were female (mean age was 34 years). The mean disease duration was 1 year. Around 49% of patients had active disease (SLEDAI ≥6). Proteinuria and nephritis were observed in 18% and 24%, respectively. About 62% of patients had at least one abnormality in their lipid profile. High cholesterol (>200 mg/dL), high TG (>150 md/dL), high LDL-C (>130 mg/dL) and low HDL-C ( 0.05). Patients with active disease had higher serum cholesterol, TG and LDL-C levels and lower levels of serum HDL-C. Conclusion: It seems that there is a relationship between disease activity and lipid profile abnormalities in SLE patients.