[Atherosclerotic lesion of the vessels in systemic lupus erythematosus in males: relations with concentration of C-reactive protein].

ABSTRACT

AIM: To elicit prevalence of clinical and subclinical manifestations of atherosclerosis in men with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), to assess correlation between vascular atherosclerosis, risk factors and concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of conventional and disease-related factors of risk, ultrasonic scanning of the carotid arteries, high-performance enzyme immunoassay for CRP were made in 37 patients (mean age 36.9 +/- 10.7 years, duration of the disease 130.2 +/- 108.2 months). RESULTS: Clinical symptoms of atherosclerosis were seen in 35% patients. By thickness of the intimamedia complex (IMC), the patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 21 patients with vascular atherosclerosis (IMC > 0.9 mm), group 2--of 16 patients with IMC < 0.9 mm. Mean age, age of the disease onset, body mass index were greater in group 1. A mean CRP concentration in patients with athrosclerosis was significantly higher than in the group without vascular atherosclerosis (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: SLE men comprise a group of high atherosclerosis risk. An elevated CRP level is associated with thicker IMC.