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Pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus.
S R Johnson1, D D Gladman, M B Urowitz
1University of Toronto Lupus Clinic, Centre for Prognostic Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Lupus
|September 9, 2004
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) affects 14% of lupus patients, with 37% showing borderline high pressures. Disease activity and autoantibodies were not linked to PAH in this study.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) significantly impacts rheumatic diseases.
- The prevalence of PAH in systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) requires further delineation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PAH in lupus patients.
- To investigate potential associations between PAH and lupus disease characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of echocardiograms from lupus patients (1995-2002).
- Defined PAH as right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) ≥ 40 mmHg.
- Analyzed associations with lupus disease activity, organ involvement, and anticardiolipin antibodies.
Main Results:
- 14% of lupus patients had PAH (RVSP ≥ 40 mmHg).
- 37% had borderline elevated RVSP (30-39 mmHg).
- No significant associations found between PAH and lupus disease activity, organ involvement, or serology.
Conclusions:
- PAH prevalence in this lupus cohort was 14%, with a substantial proportion showing borderline RVSP.
- The clinical significance of borderline RVSP in lupus remains unclear.
- Further research is needed to understand PAH mechanisms and impact in lupus patients.