Modification of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a quality improvement study.
BACKGROUND
Hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension are risk factors for coronary artery disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


OBJECTIVE
To examine the recognition and management of hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension in patients with SLE before and after a quality improvement study.


METHODS
Patients with SLE have been followed up prospectively at the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic since 1970. The charts of all patients who entered the clinic since 1990 were reviewed to ensure completeness of data on anti-hypertensive treatment (AHT) and lipid lowering agents (LLA). Recognition and management of hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension were evaluated for the periods 1990-1995 and 1996-2001.


RESULTS
Comparison of treatment between time periods showed that during 1990-1995 204/559 (36%) patients seen were hypertensive, of whom 180 (88%) were receiving AHT, and during 1996-2001 241/576 (42%) patients seen were hypertensive, of whom 232 (96%) were receiving AHT (p = 0.0013). A comparison of treatment for hypercholesterolaemia showed that 21/236 (9%) hypercholesterolaemic patients were being treated with LLA in the earlier period compared with 74/261 (28%) in the later period (p<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment for hypertension and hyperlipidaemia has increased in the past 6 years compared with the previous 6 years, but a number of patients eligible for these treatments remain untreated.
Urowitz
M B
MB
Rheumatology Department, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Canada. m.urowitz@utoronto.ca
Gladman
D D
DD
Ibanez
D
D
Berliner
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents