Controlling cardiovascular risk factors reduces progression of atherosclerosis in a multiethnic cohort of patients with lupus
Controlling multiple heart disease risk factors slowed atherosclerotic plaque progression in lupus patients, suggesting targeted interventions work across diverse populations.
In a multiethnic SLE cohort followed over 5.25 years (mean), attaining at least 3 of the defined CVD risk targets was independently protective against atherosclerotic plaque progression, confirming prior findings in a more diverse population including 40% non-Caucasian patients. The unexpected finding of anti-La antibody positivity associated with less plaque progression warrants mechanistic investigation.
What the study was
- Study design
- Longitudinal observational cohort with serial ultrasound assessment (mean 63 months apart)
- Population
- SLE patients (multiethnic, 40% non-Caucasian) at University College London
- Sample size
- 69
- Category
- Prevention
- Maturity
- Validated
- Journal
- Lupus Science & Medicine
Why it surfaced
Multiethnic SLE cohort confirming CVD risk factor control slows atherosclerosis; anti-La finding is novel and hypothesis-generating. Small N limits power.
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