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Cardiovascular risk in pediatric-onset rheumatological diseases

Julie Barsalou, Timothy J Bradley, Earl D Silverman

    Arthritis Research & Therapy
    |June 5, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children with inflammatory rheumatic diseases face increased cardiovascular risks. Early detection of atherosclerosis using noninvasive measures is crucial for timely intervention and improved long-term health outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Rheumatology
    • Cardiology
    • Pediatrics

    Background:

    • Inflammatory rheumatic diseases increase cardiovascular risk in adults due to traditional factors, corticosteroid therapy, chronic inflammation, and autoantibodies.
    • Atherosclerosis is projected to become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases.
    • Cardiovascular events are rare in children, necessitating the use of surrogate measures for early atherosclerosis detection.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review cardiovascular risk and early atherosclerosis in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and juvenile dermatomyositis.
    • To discuss noninvasive vascular measures for assessing early atherosclerosis in children.
    • To outline cardiovascular preventive strategies for pediatric rheumatic disease patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing literature on cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric rheumatic diseases.
    • Evaluation of noninvasive vascular measures: flow-mediated dilatation, carotid intima-media thickness, and pulse wave velocity.
    • Synthesis of data on prevalence of risk factors and early atherosclerosis signs.

    Main Results:

    • Limited studies exist on cardiovascular risk factors and early atherosclerosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases.
    • Noninvasive vascular measures are feasible for assessing atherosclerosis in children.
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and juvenile dermatomyositis patients are at risk.

    Conclusions:

    • Pediatric rheumatic diseases pose significant cardiovascular risks, mirroring adult concerns.
    • Early atherosclerosis detection and intervention are vital in this population.
    • Proactive cardiovascular preventive strategies are essential for managing long-term health.

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