Objectives Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). Therefore, using diet to control blood lipid levels and modify CVD risk could be a promising therapeutic strategy to control disease symptoms. The primary objective of this study was to learn about lupus patient experiences with diet including their opinion on considering diet as a therapeutic option. The secondary objective was to obtain this information in a cost and time effective manner. Methods A lay summary and a 15 question diet-based online survey was publicly available for 3 weeks. Social media was used to promote the survey through relevant charities, hospitals and research groups. Results 300 responses were received, 284 of whom had lupus. Patients reported that there was a lack of clinical counselling regarding diet with only 24% of patients stating that their doctor had spoken to them about diet. Despite this, 100% of patients stated that they would change their diet if they knew it would help their symptoms and 83% would take part in a future diet-based clinical trial. Text analysis of patient research suggestions identified a particular interest in using diet to treat fatigue

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Cardio-vascular risk (CVR) stratification tools have been implemented in clinical practice to guide management decision for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Less is known about how we can optimally estimate the CVR in children and adolescents or about the reliability of the risk stratification tools validated in adult populations. Chronic inflammation associated with autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) drives an increased risk for accelerated atherosclerosis in patients of all ages. Although the research is less advanced than in adult populations, it is recognized that young people with ARDs with childhood-onset have increased CVR compared to age-matched healthy controls, as supported by studies investigating lipid biomarker profile and markers of endothelial dysfunction. Further research is needed to address the unmet need for adequate CVR identification and management strategies in young people in general, and in those with underlying chronic inflammation in particular. This perspective paper explores various challenges in adequately identifying and managing CVR in younger populations and potential directions for future research.

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