Lupus Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (LAPS)

Abstract

This study provides no evidence that atorvastatin reduces subclinical measures of atherosclerosis or disease activity over 2 years in patients with SLE. In fact, it does not appear to reduce biochemical measures of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of statins observed in the general population were not replicated in this SLE clinical trial. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00120887).

Why are kids with lupus at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease?

“…Petri et al [184] randomized 200 adults with SLE to atorvastatin or placebo for 2 years. Results showed no difference in coronary artery calcium, cIMT, carotid plaque, hsCRP, or markers of endothelial activation.…”

Does Renin‐Angiotensin System Blockade Protect Lupus Nephritis Patients From Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events? A Case–Control Study

“…Certain therapeutic 9 approaches, usually with statins, have been implemented for halting subclinical atherosclerosis in lupus patients with inconsistent results [12][13][14][15]. Other preventive strategies, such as ACEIs and ARBs, which have shown a significant benefit in at-risk populations [5], have not been tested in SLE patients.…”

Atherogenesis and Vascular Disease in SLE

“…In patients with low disease activity, rosuvastatin decreased plasma levels of endothelial activation markers such as P-selectin and VCAM-1. Unexpectedly, in 2011, the results from the Lupus Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (Petri et al, 2011) offered no evidence that atorvastatin could reduce markers of subclinical atherosclerosis or disease activity over 2 years and the anti-inflammatory effects of statins observed in the general population were not replicated in this SLE clinical trial. However, comments were raised regarding the homogeneity of both treatment arms which may limit the final interpretation.…”