Potential role of high sensitivity cardiac troponin T in subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

摘要

Aim of the workTo determine the role of high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (HS cTnT) in subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in SLE patients at an apparent low risk for CVD according to traditional risk factors.Patients and methodsThe presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by non-contract coronary computerized tomography and calcium score was measured using Agatston score in 30 SLE patients asymptomatic for CVD and 30 age and sex matched apparently healthy controls. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was assessed. Serum HScTnT concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 33?±?5.7?years, disease duration of 33.7?±?22?months and mean SLEDAI 8.1?±?5.02. The mean HS cTnT level was 12.8?±?11.3?ng/L (1–36?ng/L). Their Framingham score was 4.8?±?3.1 (1–12). Framingham score was low in both SLE patients (range 1–12%) and controls (1–9%) (p?=?0.12). 11 (36.7%) patients, but none of the controls, had coronary artery calcification (CAC). Serum HScTnT concentration was detectable (>3 ng/L) in 16 (53.3%) patients and 2 (6.7%) control (p?