Subclinical parameters of arterial stiffness and arteriosclerosis correlate with QRISK3 in systemic lupus...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a significant cause of mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other rheumatic conditions.
• Early detection of CVD in SLE patients is crucial for improving outcomes.
• Advancements in methodologies for early CVD detection are continuously being developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of subclinical vascular aging parameters and the QRISK 3-2017 score for the early detection of CVD in SLE patients.
• To correlate vascular aging markers with CVD risk assessment in SLE.
• To establish the role of QRISK 3-2017 in identifying cardiovascular risk in SLE.

Main Methods:

• Clinical assessments included SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and SLICC/ACR DI.
• Laboratory measurements, carotid ultrasound (cIMT), and arterial stiffness (tonometry, PWV, cfPWV) were performed.
• The QRISK 3-2017 score was calculated and correlated with subclinical vascular parameters; data analyzed using SPSS 24.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were observed between QRISK 3-2017 and mean cIMT (rs = 0.534), PWV (rs = 0.474), cfPWV (rs = 0.569), and distensibility (rs = -0.420).
• SLE patients categorized as medium and high risk by QRISK 3-2017 exhibited increased arterial stiffness compared to the low-risk group.
• These findings highlight the association between the QRISK 3-2017 score and objective measures of vascular aging in SLE.

Conclusions:

• The QRISK 3-2017 risk calculator is a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular risk in SLE patients.
• Integrating QRISK 3-2017 into outpatient clinics can aid rheumatologists in early CVD detection.
• A comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation, alongside the QRISK 3-2017 score, is recommended when appropriate for SLE patients.