Increased Pulse Wave Velocity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Rheumatology
• Medical Statistics

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease linked to heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a validated indicator of arterial stiffness and a predictor of cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely estimate the level of PWV in patients with SLE.
• To identify factors associated with PWV in SLE patients.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases up to February 2017.
• A meta-analysis was performed on 14 eligible studies, pooling data from 156 initially identified studies.
• Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effect models.

Main Results:

• Patients with SLE demonstrated significantly higher PWV levels compared to control groups (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.30-0.82]).
• Subgroup analyses revealed associations between PWV and body mass index (BMI), sample size, and disease duration in SLE patients.

Conclusions:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with increased arterial stiffness, as indicated by elevated PWV.
• Key factors influencing PWV in SLE include BMI, sample size, and disease duration, highlighting potential targets for cardiovascular risk management.