Background To date, little is known about the pathogenesis, course and efficacy of cardiac complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which requires the development of new therapies that allow to increase the life expectancy of patients.

Objectives To study the effect of simultaneous intensive therapy on cardiovascular system in SLE.

Methods The study involved 92 patients with SLE at the age of 18–55 years, with disease duration from 2 to 23 years. We analyzed the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, disease activity (SLEDAIK2, EKLAM).

Results The vast majority of patients - 72 (78.6%) - revealed a subacute variant of the disease, and the average level of activity (80.2%). The classic cardiovascular risk factors were observed in 85 (92.3%) patients. Depending on the treatment options for the patients were divided into the following groups: I group - 32 patients received the classic three-day pulse therapy - metipred or Solu-Medrol 1000 mg/day and the second day of cyclophosphamide 1000 mg/day, against the background of glucocorticosteroids (GCS) according to the degree activity. Group II - 24 patients underwent synchronous intensive therapy: 2–3 sessions of plasmapheresis followed by 1000mg metipred (solumedrol), against GCS disease activity, respectively, III group - 36 patients received conventional therapy with oral administration in dose of Valium 20–40mg/day.

Patients of group II marked a complete stabilization of clinical symptoms, decrease in activity, the positive dynamics of cardiovascular manifestations.

Conclusions Thus, the ineffectiveness of the standard basic therapy in SLE patients should include the feasibility of timely implementation of synchronous pulse therapy, which helps to reduce cardiovascular complications and improves the quality of life of patients.

Disclosure of Interest None declared