Open AccessDrugs to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Relationship between Current Use and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Author(s) -
Rho Young Hee,
Oeser Annette,
Chung Cecilia P.,
Morrow Jason D.,
Stein C. Michael
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
archives of drug information
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1753-5174
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-5174.2007.00004.x
Subject(s) - medicine , homocysteine , hydroxychloroquine , triglyceride , azathioprine , lipid profile , risk factor , proportional hazards model , methotrexate , blood pressure , cholesterol , disease , covid-19 , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Objectives. Cardiovascular risk is increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Drugs used to treat SLE can modify traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We examined the effect of selected drugs used in the treatment of SLE on cardiovascular risk factors. Methods. We compared systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum lipid concentrations, glucose, homocysteine, and urinary F 2 ‐isoprostane concentrations in 99 patients with lupus who were either current users or non‐users of systemic corticosteroids, antimalarials, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), COX‐2 selective NSAIDs, azathioprine, and methotrexate. Multivariable adjustment was done with linear regression modeling using sex, age and disease activity (SLEDAI) as controlling variables. Results. Serum triglyceride concentrations were higher (135.1 ± 61.4 vs. 95.3 ± 47.5 mg/dL, adjusted P = 0.003) in patients receiving corticosteroids. Homocysteine concentrations were marginally higher in patients receiving methotrexate (adjusted P = 0.08). Current use of either NSAIDs or COX‐2 inhibitors was not associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors. Current hydroxychloroquine use was not associated with significant alterations in lipid profiles. Conclusions. In a non‐random sample of patients with SLE, current corticosteroid use was associated with increased triglyceride concentrations, but other drugs had little effect on traditional cardiovascular risk factors.