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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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From our latest Lupus Research e-newsletter
 
Children with lupus often face unique challenges because their disease can be more severe and may require more aggressive treatments. Lupus or its treatments may have lasting biological effects. However, little is known about growth and development in children with lupus. The researchers examined possible impairments in growth, such as height, among children with lupus of varying ages and also depending on how long they have had lupus. Possible effects of steroid treatments on height were also specifically examined.

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