Risk factors in cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting women.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in SLE patients with disease duration over 5 years.
• Accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE is driven by both conventional and non-conventional risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review traditional and non-traditional risk factors for CVD in SLE patients.
• To highlight disease-specific mechanisms contributing to atherosclerosis in SLE.
• To inform clinical management and research strategies for CVD prevention in SLE.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological observations and clinical studies.
• Analysis of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc.).
• Identification and categorization of non-traditional, SLE-specific risk factors (lupus nephritis, cytokines, antiphospholipid antibodies, etc.).

Main Results:

• Traditional risk factors like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking are prevalent in SLE.
• Non-traditional factors including lupus nephritis, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and antiphospholipid antibodies significantly contribute to CVD risk.
• Corticosteroid use and cumulative glucocorticoid dose are associated with increased CVD risk in SLE patients.

Conclusions:

• CVD risk in SLE is multifactorial, involving both standard and unique disease-related elements.
• Effective CVD management in SLE requires addressing both conventional risk factors and SLE-specific pathways.
• Further research into non-traditional risk factors is essential for improving cardiovascular outcomes in SLE.