Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Abstract
Background— Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have a significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) that is not fully explained by classic risk factors. Endothelial dysfunction is an early stage in the process of atherogenesis. Our aim was to determine whether endothelial dysfunction occurs in SLE and whether it is associated with the occurrence of classic Framingham risk factors. Methods and Results— We studied 62 women with SLE (1997 revised criteria) and 38 healthy women. Demographic and risk factor data were collected. In patients, disease activity and treatment-related parameters were also assessed. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery in response to reactive hyperemia. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of carotid plaques were also assessed in SLE patients. FMD was impaired in SLE patients (median, 3.6%; range, −6.3% to 13.7%; versus median, 6.9%; range, −6.6% to 17.8%, P<0.01). Using multiple regression a...