Predicting Cardiovascular Disease using Biomarkers in Young People with Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Lupus Foundation of America

Researchers identifiedbiomarkers in young people with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) that can predict the development and progression of atherosclerosis, a primary cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). People with JSLE have increased atherosclerosis risk.

A group of 151 people with JSLE who participated in the Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus (APPLE) study were examined. Of the group, 77 people received atorvastatin (a common therapy used to treat high cholesterol) and 74 received the placebo. The group was monitored for carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT, a measure of atherosclerosis) progression for 36 months and were divided into three sub-groups based on their CIMT trajectories. A significant increase of CIMT was identified across the groups and 36% of those receiving atorvastatin had high CIMT progression over 36 months despite treatment.

There is currently an unmet need for early identification and tailoring CVD risk management. The researchers suggest conducting CVD risk factor assessments in people with JSLE who exhibit CVD progression. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms driving cholesterol accumulation, inflammation and metabolic role in therapeutic response in people with JSLE. Learn more about the heart and lupus and childhood lupus.

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