Assessment of atherosclerotic risk factors and endothelial function in children and young adults with pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

✍ Scribed by Soep, Jennifer B. ;Mietus-Snyder, Michele ;Malloy, Mary J. ;Witztum, Joseph L. ;Von Scheven, Emily

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 90 KB
• Volume: 51
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0004-3591
• DOI: 10.1002/art.20392

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Objective

To characterize atherosclerotic risk factors and endothelial function in pediatric‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Lipoproteins, oxidized state, and autoantibodies to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (Ox‐LDL) were assessed. Endothelial function was evaluated using brachial artery reactivity.

Results

Thirty‐three SLE patients and 30 controls were studied. SLE subjects had significantly decreased mean high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (41 mg/dl versus 51 mg/dl; P = 0.002) and apolipoprotein A‐I (97 mg/dl versus 199 mg/dl; P = 0.0004). There was no difference between groups in markers of oxidized state (including nitric oxide metabolites, isoprostanes, and Ox‐LDL) or in endothelial function. However, SLE subjects had increased median anti‐Ox‐LDL IgG (2,480 relative light units [RLU] versus 1,567 RLU; P = 0.0007) and IgG immune complexes with LDL (4,222 RLU versus 2,868 RLU; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Pediatric SLE patients had significantly decreased levels of HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A‐I and elevated titers of autoantibodies to Ox‐LDL. Despite these atherosclerotic risk factors, SLE patients had normal measures of oxidized state and endothelial function.