Microcirculation as determined by iontophoresis in SLE-patients and controls

Background: The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), microangiopathy and prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques are increased in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). As systemic endothelial dysfunction is one of the earliest signs of these vascular outcomes in the general population we assessed skin microvascular endothelial function in SLE patients. Methods: Endothelial function in skin was tested with local application of acetylcholine (inducing endothelium-dependent vasodilatation) and any concomitant increase in skin perfusion was measured with Laser Doppler Fluxmetry (LDF) in 84 SLE-patients (83% women, mean age 47 years) and 81 age and sex matched controls. Common carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaque occurrence were also determined using B-mode ultrasound. Results: There were no significant differences in skin microvascular endothelial function between SLE-patients and controls. In the SLE group, endothelial function did not vary in relation to skin manifestations, Raynaud's phenomenon, nephritis or plaque occurrence. In SLE patients with CVD, however, endothelial function was impaired. Conclusion: Skin microvascular endothelial function is associated with CVD but not with early signs of atherosclerosis in SLE-patients. The endothelial function is not different in SLE-patients as compared to controls.