EMAN MOHAMMED IBRAHEM, REFAAT FATHY ABDEL ALAAL, LOBNA AHMED HASSAN, SARA HASSANEİN
Ulusal Romatoloji Dergisi - 2025;17(2):77-84
OBJECTIVE Reduced flow mediated dilation (FMD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients indicates impaired endothelial function while elevated uric acid contributes to increased oxidative stress. These factors can synergistically promote the development of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to estimate subclinical atherosclerosis through measuring carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and brachial artery FMD in SLE patients, correlating these measurements with uric acid levels. METHODS This study included 60 SLE patients who were divided into two groups based on their FMD results. All patients underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation. CIMT was measured using carotid Doppler ultrasound, and brachial artery FMD was assessed with ultrasound. Serum uric acid levels were also measured. We investigated various factors that may influence FMD in patients with SLE by comparing the characteristics of the two groups. RESULTS Patients with abnormal FMD exhibited higher disease activity based on modified SLE disease activity index 2000 (p=0.002) and significantly elevated uric acid levels compared to those with normal FMD (p=0.012). Mean CIMT was significantly higher in patients with abnormal FMD (0.64±0.17 mm) compared to those with normal FMD (0.51±0.11 mm). Regression analysis revealed that increased CIMT, representive of subclinical atherosclerosis, was primarily associated with higher disease activity index, abnormal FMD, and hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight that FMD and uric acid can serve as potential markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE patients. The association with increased CIMT emphasizes the importance of addressing these factors to reduce cardiovascular risk.
