Antimalarials not only effective but might be cardioprotective in SLE patients: Study

Written By :  Dr. Shravani Dali
Medically Reviewed By :  Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2022-01-19 04:00 GMT   |   Update On 2022-01-19 05:26 GMT
Advertisement

Antimalarials are not only safe but might be cardioprotective in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a recent study published in the Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism

Factors associated with chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have received little attention. Recent data on the use of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection have cast doubt on its cardiac safety. The factors associated with CHF, including therapy with antimalarials, were analyzed in a large multicenter SLE cohort.

Cross-sectional study including all patients with SLE (ACR-1997 criteria) included in the Spanish Society of Rheumatology Lupus Register (RELESSER), based on historically gathered data. Patients with CHF prior to diagnosis of SLE were excluded. A multivariable analysis exploring factors associated with CHF was conducted.

Results:

The study population comprised 117 patients with SLE (ACR-97 criteria) and CHF and 3,506 SLE controls. Ninety percent were women. Patients with CHF were older and presented greater SLE severity, organ damage, and mortality than those without CHF. The multivariable model revealed the factors associated with CHF to be ischemic heart disease (7.96 [4.01–15.48], p < 0.0001), cardiac arrhythmia (7.38 [4.00–13.42], p < 0.0001), pulmonary hypertension (3.71 [1.84–7.25], p < 0.0002), valvulopathy (6.33 [3.41–11.62], p < 0.0001), non-cardiovascular damage (1.29 [1.16–1.44], p < 0.000) and calcium/vitamin D treatment (5.29 [2.07–16.86], p = 0.0015). Female sex (0.46 [0.25–0.88], p = 0.0147) and antimalarials (0.28 [0.17–0.45], p < 0.000) proved to be protective factors.

Thus, the researchers concluded that Patients with SLE and CHF experience more severe SLE. Treatment with antimalarials appears to confer a cardioprotective effect.

Reference:

Antimalarials exert a cardioprotective effect in lupus patients: Insights from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology Lupus Register (RELESSER) analysis of factors associated with heart failure by Rúa-Figueroa et al. published in the Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049017221002183?via=ihub

Tags:    
Article Source : Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News