Background Subclinical atherosclerosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.^1,2

Objective The goal of this study is to assess the subclinical atherosclerosis in patients suffering the above mentioned disease, by measuring the ankle-brachial index.

Method We have studied 97 female patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, and a control group of other 64 female patients, not having the disease. For both groups we recorded the demographics, the medical history. We also performed several laboratory tests and the ankle-brachial index measurement.

Results The mean value of ankle-brachial index on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus was statistically lower compared to control group (0,91±0,29 vs 1,14±0,17, p=0,0001). The univariate analysis of specific risk factors, showed that only the length of disease (r=-0,201, p=0,049), and the age of disease diagnosis (r=-0,354, p=0,0001) is statistically correlated with the ankle-brachial index. The multivariate analysis revealed that, among the specific risk factors, only the disease duration (B=-0,647, p=0,001), the age at diagnosis (B=0,326, p=0,002) and the presence of anticardiolipin andibodies (B=-0,338, p=0,003) are statistically correlated with ankle-brachial index.

Conclusions In our study, the determined value of ankle-brachial index on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, was statistically lower than on the control group, thus revealing the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.

References

1. . Stojan G, Petri M. Atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Cardiovascular Pharmacol2013:62(3):255–262.

2. . Tazi Mezalek Z, Harmouche H, Ammouri W, et al. l Atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Presse Med2014:43(10):1034–1047.