First Ever Study of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs in Children With Lupus

Adults with lupus are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease as compared to the general population. Increased levels of blood cholesterol can result in atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which is itself a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Previous studies indicate that subclinical atherosclerosis may be present in children with lupus. Since atherosclerosis is now known to begin in childhood, even in healthy people, the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease has become a growing concern for the health of children with lupus. This study examined the safety and efficacy of atorvastatin (Lipitor®), a cholesterol-lowering drug, in children with lupus over a three-year period. The results suggest that lipid-lowering drugs like atorvastatin can safely and effectively reduce cholesterol levels in children with lupus. However, the effects of this treatment regimen do not warrant administration of lipid-lowering drugs to all children with lupus and future studies may indicate specific subpopulations that could benefit most.
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Read the Latest in Lupus Research: Study Finds Risk Factors for Heart Disease in People With Lupus

Some people with lupus seem to be at increased risk for heart disease. It would be very helpful to know about specific factors that could help to predict this risk. The researchers hoped to learn what characteristics of people living with lupus might help to predict heart disease.

What did the researchers learn?