Aspects of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome in lupus erythematosus
Nascimento, I.S.; Quaio, C.R.D.'A.C.; Sinicato, N.ú A.él.; Appenzeller, S.; de Carvalho, J.él.F.
Acta Reumatologica Portuguesa 35(3): 294-300
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 2184-8777 PMID: 20975632 Document Number: 645856
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting mainly young women. In last decades premature atherosclerosis has been identified as an important cause of mortality due to SLE related risk factors (inflammation and treatment) and metabolic syndrome (MS). MS is a group of risk factors, originating from an abnormal metabolism, with an increased risk for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of MS varies from 5,5-55,4% in the general population and has been observed up to 40% in SLE, associated with advanced age, low socioeconomic status, lack of exercise, use of high doses of prednisone and disease activity. Treatment should include identification and modification of these risk factors.