The Relationship Between Atherosclerosis and the Intima Media Thickness of Carotid Arteries With Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background: Patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) are more prone to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases due to atherosclerosis and consequently death.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore a possible relationship between the intima media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries and the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in SLE patients.

Patients and Methods:: Sixty SLE patients and 60 healthy persons, being matched in age, ethnicity, gender and body mass index, were recruited for the study. The thickness of intima-media of the carotid arteries and the levels of CRP were measured using color Doppler ultrasonography and highly sensitive CRP measurement methods, respectively then findings were compared between the two groups.

Results:: Ultrasonographic evaluation showed atherosclerosis in 6 (10%) and 3 persons (5%) of the patients and control groups, respectively (P = 0. 298). The mean thickness of intima-media was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.31).But the mean level of CRP was significantly higher in patients group (P = 0. 005).

Conclusions:: We could not find any relationship between the serum CRP level and the risk of atherosclerosis progression in patients with SLE. Perhaps, SLE alone is not an independentrisk factor for atherosclerosis.