A Trial of Rosuvastatin in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a condition that affects the whole body. It can cause
inflammation of the blood vessels resulting in an earlier thickening and hardening of the
arteries resulting in strokes. It has been reported that SLE can worsen the function
resulting in heart failure.
The aim of the study is to examine what effects Rosuvastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug,
given to patients has on the degree of thickening of the arteries over the course of two
years. We also want to see how it affects the function of the blood vessels and also of the
heart.
Individuals who agree to participate will be randomly assigned into two groups. One group
will be given the active drug whereas the other will have a placebo. Subjects in the study
will all have a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scan before treatment, at 1 year and then 2
years at the end of the treatment. Each scan will involve imaging the carotid arteries in the
neck, the arteries in the arm and also the heart. Individuals will continue to have regular
out-patient reviews by their own team of doctors, regular blood tests will be taken to
monitor the disease and also to ensure the safety and well being of the individual.
At the end of the 2 year study we hope that we will be able to slow down the rate of arterial
thickening and retard any plaque build up in the arteries. We also want to see what effect
rosuvastatin has on heart function. Ultimately, we hope to prove that people with SLE should
be treated with a cholesterol lowering drug as part of their routine treatment.