Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in systemic lupus erythematosus

SLE patients appear to have increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease [CVD] that is not explained by traditional risk factors. Leptin, an adipocyte-derived protein regulating food intake and metabolism has been implicated in the development of coronary artery disease. To measure the intima-media thickness [IMT] of the common carotid artery [as an index of subclinical atherosclerosis] and to evaluate its relation to cardiovascular risk factors, lupus-related factors and serum leptin level. We used high-resolution B-mode ultrasound, to compare common carotid artery [CCA] intima-media wall thickness [IMT] in 40 SLE patients and 40 matching controls. We investigated the association between [IMT] of the [CCA] in SLE, clinical and therapeutic variables. The mean level of IMT of the CCA showed a statistically highly significant increase [p<0.001] in SLE patients as compared to controls. Insignificant correlations [p>0.05] were found between IMT of the CCA in SLE and HDL-c, triglycerides, C3, C4, SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA, anticardiolipin antibodies and drug treatment. There were statistically significant correlations [p<0.05] between IMT of the CCA in SLE and systolic BP, diastolic BP, total cholesterol, LDL-c, fibrinogen, and CRP. Highly statistically significant correlations [p<0.001] were found in relation to age, disease duration, body mass index, HAQ, SLICC damage score, and serum leptin level. Age, disease duration, body mass index and serum leptin level in that order were the variables predicting atherosclerosis among SLE patients. Aggressive control of SLE and lowering of leptin concentrations are potential means to retard development and progression of atherosclerosis in SLE

Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in rheumatoid arthritis patients

To measure the intima-media thickness [IMT] of the common carotid artery [as an index of subclinical atherosclerosis] and to evaluate the factors associated with arterial wall thickness in RA patients. We used an accurate and reliable imaging technique, high-resolution B-mode ultrasound, to compare common carotid artery [CCA] intima-media wall thickness [IMT] in 40 RA patients and 40 controls. The apparently healthy subjects were comparable with the RA patients as regards the risk factors for atherosclerosis, including age, sex, menopause status, body mass index [BMI], blood pressure, and serum lipid levels. We investigated the association between [IMT] of the [CCA] in RA and clinical and therapeutic variables. The mean level of IMT of the CCA showed a statistically highly significant increase [p<0.001] in RA patients as compared to controls. There were statistically significant correlations [p<0.05] between IMT of the CCA in RA and disease related variables; duration of morning stiffness, articular index, grip strength, ESR, hemoglobin level, pain severity and rheumatoid factor. Highly statistically significant correlations [p<0.001] were found in relation to age, disease duration, spread severity index, Larsen score, HAQ and CRP. Insignificant correlations [p>0.05] were found between IMT of the CCA in RA patients and sex, B.M.I, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile and drug treatment. RA patients exhibited greater thickness of the common carotid artery than healthy controls, so RA patients have an ultrasonic marker of early atherosclerosis. The age, disease duration, disease activity and severity, decreased physical activity, but not therapeutic variables, were associated with the increased arterial wall thickness