Anti-malarial drugs can reduce risk of lupus, says new study

People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are of African descent and from lower socioeconomic groups face a higher risk of primary cardiac disease, suggest research published in Rheumatology. But those taking anti-malarial drugs reduce their risk.

The research involved records from more than 1,400 people from 34 centres across nine Latin American countries. People newly diagnosed with SLE were tracked between 1997 and 2005.

Previous research has identified African ancestry as a risk factor for cardiac problems in people with SLE in the UK. But this study showed that that those of African ancestry and people in lower socioeconomic groups have a higher risk of cardiac problems. It also suggests that particular factors can increase or reduce patients’ risk of pericarditis, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, myocarditis and/or endocarditis.

Those being treated with anti-malarial drugs were found to have a reduced risk.

“Considering that anti-malarials are available around the world at a relatively modest cost, this finding is quite relevant,” says Bernardo Pons-Estel, who led the research.

Dr Chris Deighton, President of the British Society for Rheumatology, comments:

“This reminds us that the diseases rheumatologists look after affect much more than joints, muscles and bones, and can also affect vital organs such as the heart. Certain patients with lupus seem to be more prone than others, but treating the underlying inflammation and immune disturbance can make a big difference to the overall health of these patients. All patients with lupus should be under the ongoing surveillance of a rheumatology multidisciplinary team.”

Click here to read the original research.

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