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

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 anticoagulation 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.