Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular events and accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus results in significant increased morbidity and mortality. The non-traditional risk factors induce alteration in lipoprotein metabolism and the constant inflammatory and immune activity can lead to accelerated atherosclerosis. Aim: To assess prevalence of dyslipidemia in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and to study the relation of dyslipidemia to disease activity. Patients and methods: The presented study included 60 SLE adult patients (56 females and 4 males) and they were classified according to disease activity into two groups: Active Lupus: Included 30 lupus patients. Inactive Lupus: Included 30 lupus patients. 20 healthy subjects with matched age, sex and BMI were included as healthy controls. Methods: Patients underwent clinical assessment. Total cholesterol, (LDL, HDL) and triglyceride were measured. Results: Cholesterol, LDL, and TG levels were elevated in the active group compared to that in the inactive group and healthy controls. This elevation was significant (P< 0.001). But HDL level decreased in the active group compared to the inactive and healthy controls groups. The decrease of HDL was the active group is significant (P< 0.001). Conclusion: The elevated levels of Total cholesterol, LDL, and TG and decreased level of HDL in SLE patients are considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The dyslipidemia and inflammatory process predispose to premature atherosclerosis and disease activity contribute to dyslipidemia and hence cardiovascular risk associated with SLE.

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