Ji Hyun Lee1, Kyoung Im Cho2. 1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maryknoll Medical Center, Busan, Republic of Korea. 2. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University School of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: kyoungim74@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of arterial stiffness in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and its relationship with antiphospholipid antibody (aPL). METHODS: Measurement of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), carotid arterial stiffness, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was performed in 51 patients with SLE. PAH was diagnosed if the pulmonary artery systolic pressure was >40mmHg. Information concerning SLE duration, medication, and serum autoantibodies was recorded. SLE activity was assessed by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). RESULTS: aPL was present in 10 patients (20%), and PAH was detected in 6 patients (12%). The prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon, baPWV, positive aPL, and titers of IgG anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) were increased in SLE with PAH; however, no difference was found in inflammatory markers, disease duration, and SLEDAI compared to SLE without PAH. Carotid artery deformation and right ventricular function were reduced in patients with PAH (all p<0.05). Carotid artery circumferential strain (r=0.34, p=0.021), radial strain (r=-0.30, p=0.045), and baPWV (r=0.46, p=0.001) showed significant correlation between IgG aCL. Univariate and multiple regression analysis revealed that the only significant independent predictors of the presence of PAH were baPWV, carotid artery stiffness, and IgG aCL. CONCLUSION: Arterial stiffness might contribute to the pathogenesis of PAH related to SLE as well as aPLs. Furthermore, the significant association of aPL with arterial stiffness suggests its important role in PAH with SLE.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of arterial stiffness in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and its relationship with antiphospholipid antibody (aPL). METHODS: Measurement of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), carotid arterial stiffness, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was performed in 51 patients with SLE. PAH was diagnosed if the pulmonary artery systolic pressure was >40mmHg. Information concerning SLE duration, medication, and serum autoantibodies was recorded. SLE activity was assessed by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). RESULTS: aPL was present in 10 patients (20%), and PAH was detected in 6 patients (12%). The prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon, baPWV, positive aPL, and titers of IgG anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) were increased in SLE with PAH; however, no difference was found in inflammatory markers, disease duration, and SLEDAI compared to SLE without PAH. Carotid artery deformation and right ventricular function were reduced in patients with PAH (all p<0.05). Carotid artery circumferential strain (r=0.34, p=0.021), radial strain (r=-0.30, p=0.045), and baPWV (r=0.46, p=0.001) showed significant correlation between IgG aCL. Univariate and multiple regression analysis revealed that the only significant independent predictors of the presence of PAH were baPWV, carotid artery stiffness, and IgG aCL. CONCLUSION: Arterial stiffness might contribute to the pathogenesis of PAH related to SLE as well as aPLs. Furthermore, the significant association of aPL with arterial stiffness suggests its important role in PAH with SLE.