Accelerated atherosclerosis, arterial thromboembolism, and preventive strategies in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

With improved disease survival, arterial thromboembolism has become an important cause of morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A number of conventional and non‐conventional risk factors are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. Regular surveillance and control of traditional risk factors is mandatory, and so is the appropriate use of the statins, anti‐malarial agents, anti‐platelet agents, and anti‐coagulation for primary and secondary prevention of arterial thromboembolism in SLE patients. Judicious use of corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, hormonal replacement therapy, and the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors is equally important.