title: Predictors of high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Despite the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), little is known about the role of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) or whether ethnicity, gender, anthropometric measures and treatment can alter hsCRP levels. We evaluated the effects of treatment and demographic, anthropometric and socio-economic variables on hsCRP levels in SLE. High sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay in 610 patients from the Hopkins Lupus Cohort, who were followed-up regularly. In stepwise multiple regression analyses, body mass index (BMI) [odds ratio (OR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-2.20, P < 0.001], African-American ethnicity (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.22-3.19, P < 0.01), education (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42-0.86, P < 0.01), statin use (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.82, P < 0.05), estrogen use (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.19-11.22, P < 0.05), SLE Disease Activity Index score (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.09-2.87, P < 0.05) and cumulative prednisone dose (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.60, P < 0.05) were significant predictors of hsCRP levels. These findings suggest that hsCRP levels should be adjusted for BMI, ethnicity, education level, disease activity and medications when conducting cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with lupus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea.
authors.forename: S-S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Magder
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petri
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008019:Life Style; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D001741:Black or African American
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002097:C-Reactive Protein