Belizna CC et al. - These data suggest that atherosclerosis might be an intrinsic finding in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) patients, independent of cardiovascular risk factors, and that immunosuppressive treatment may prevent atherosclerosis. Methods
Study to compare the parameters between pts and controls to evaluate the risk of atherosclerosis in APS pts
And to explore the relationship between these parameters and CV risk factors
Carotid and femoral IMT and stiffness were measured in 58 APS pts and 58 controls
Antiphospholipid antibodies and CV risk factors were investigated
Other SLE-related serologic parameters were measured
Details of the pts' previous medical history and information regarding disease treatment were analyzed
Results
A difference was found between IMT, arterial stiffness, and the presence of plaques in pts and controls
All of these parameters were independent of CV risk factors
No differences in these parameters were found between pts with primary vs secondary APS
No difference between pts with thrombosis and those with obstetric manifestations
No correlation between SLE disease activity and atheroma
Pts with plaques had taken a lower total dose of corticosteroids and/or hydroxychloroquine
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