Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, in which cardiovascular complications due to premature and accelerated atherosclerosis represent a serious problem. Endothelial dysfunction is the first step in the atherosclerosis development. Low levels of vitamin D have a high prevalence in lupus patients, correlating with high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in these patients.

Objectives The aim of this study was represented by the assessment of endothelial dysfunction in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus, and correlations of this with SLE activity and vitamin D status.

Methods The study was performed on a group of 35 female patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus. In all the patients were assessed: SLE activity using SLEDAI (SLE Disease Activity Index), vitamin D status and endothelial dysfunction by means of flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. The statistically analysis was performed using Pearson's test, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results The mean age of the studied patients was 33.68±8.55 years, and the average duration of SLE was 8.91±5.29 years. The assessed parameters had the values: SLEDAI 9.02±4.51, vitamin D 12.79±2.45 μg/l (4 patients had vitamin D deficiency, and 31 patients had vitamin D insufficiency), and FMD 9.26±2.34%. There were significant correlations between vitamin D levels and FMD (r =0.4517, p=0.003), and between vitamin D levels and SLEDAI (r = -0.6297, p=0.00025).

Conclusions Low values of vitamin D levels were present in all the studied patients, correlating with the systemic lupus erythematosus activity, and endothelial dysfunction.

References

1. Reynolds JA, Bruce IN. Vitamin D in systemic lupus erythematosus: potential beyond bone health. Int J Clin Rheumatol 2009; 4(3): 297–309.

2. Emam FE, Abd El-Wahab TM, Mohammed MS, et al. Assessment of serum vitamin D level in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Egypt Rheumatol Rehabil 2014; 41:71–78.

References

Disclosure of Interest None declared