TY - JOUR T1 - N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Relationship with Inflammation, Augmentation Index, and Coronary Calcification JF - The Journal of Rheumatology JO - J Rheumatol SP - 1314 LP - 1319 VL - 35 IS - 7 AU - CECILIA P. CHUNG AU - JOSEPH F. SOLUS AU - ANNETTE OESER AU - INGRID AVALOS AU - DANIEL KURNIK AU - PAOLO RAGGI AU - C. MICHAEL STEIN Y1 - 2008/07/01 UR - http://www.jrheum.org/content/35/7/1314.abstract N2 - Objective Cardiovascular mortality is increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Increased plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population. We examined the hypothesis that NT-proBNP concentrations are higher in patients with SLE, and are related to inflammation, augmentation index, coronary atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Serum concentrations of NT-proBNP were measured in 113 patients with SLE and in 80 control subjects. Coronary calcification and augmentation index were measured by electron beam computed tomography and noninvasive pulse wave analysis, respectively. Results Patients with SLE had higher concentrations of NT-proBNP [median 38.6 (interquartile range 2.5–126.9) pg/ml] than controls [11.7 (1.6–47.9) pg/ml] (p = 0.002). Augmentation index was higher in patients with SLE [25.0% (20.5%–31.5%)] than controls [20.5% (12.0%–29.0%)] (p = 0.04). In patients with SLE, NT-proBNP concentrations were associated with disease damage (rho = 0.31, p < 0.001) and duration (rho = 0.21, p = 0.02) but not with disease activity, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, coronary calcium score, or augmentation index (all p ≥ 0.18). Conclusion Patients with SLE have increased concentrations of NT-proBNP, but this is not explained by atherosclerotic burden, augmentation index, or inflammatory state. ER -