Point prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

To determine the point prevalence and pattern of silent cardiac abnormalities and associations with suspected risk factors in a sample of children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Cross-sectional analysis of 19 children with SLE from a referral-based rheumatology clinic at an urban children's hospital. Patients were eligible if they were 20 years of age or younger and classified with SLE using the revised criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Each patient completed a survey, physical examination, standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and had laboratory determinations of complement, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels.

Six patients (32%) had cardiac abnormalities on ECG or echocardiogram. In 3, the abnormalities were mild and considered within the normal range. In 5, the abnormalities were considered silent. These abnormalities included ischemic changes (3 patients), valvular insufficiency (3 patients), ventricular repolarization defects (2 patients), cardiac enlargement (1 patient), and ventricular dysfunction (1 patient). Only a recent history of palpitations was significantly associated with the presence of cardiac abnormalities (p = 0.04).

Silent cardiac abnormalities can occur in children with SLE. A recent history of palpitations may be associated with cardiac abnormalities. Routine evaluation of children with SLE using ECG and echocardiogram may help screen for these abnormalities. However, future studies comprising larger sample sizes and longitudinal followup will be required to determine the natural history of cardiac abnormalities in children with SLE and to identify risk factors.