Cardiovascular disease, specifically from atherosclerosis, is the major cause of mortality in
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in developed countries. Coronary artery disease and stroke
contribute to long-term morbidity in surviving patients. Atherosclerosis in SLE is
multifactorial, with immune/inflammatory endothelial damage, traditional cardiovascular risk
factors, and prothrombotic factors all playing important roles. Multiple groups have shown
that hyperlipidemia is predictive of later atherosclerosis in SLE. In the general population,
statins have become the drug of choice in preventing atherosclerotic events, through two
mechanisms: lipid lowering that helps to prevent progression, and stabilization of plaques to
prevent rupture. In the Lupus Atherosclerosis Prevention Trial we will determine if
atorvastatin reduces the progression of atherosclerosis on helical computed tomography (CT)
and carotid duplex. Recent work has confirmed that statins have an immunomodulatory role.
This study will also determine whether statins improve clinical lupus activity or lupus
serologies (anti-dsDNA and complement).
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Johns Hopkins University
Collaborators:
Alliance for Lupus Research Lupus Research Alliance