Patients with SLE have increased rates of atherosclerosis, while the risk factors for atherosclerosis in those patients were not fully revealed. This study is an observational study to investigate the natural process and risk factors for atherosclerosis based on a Chinese SLE cohort. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) will be measured for each patient at baseline and 5-year follow-up. Blood tests including cholesterol levels, fasting plasma glucose levels and etc. will also be performed.

Accelerated atherosclerosis is a major complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and it leads to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with SLE. Prevention and intervention of premature atherosclerosis is beneficial for prognosis and survival of patients with SLE.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the natural progress of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in 5 years, and examine the risk factors for progression of CIMT and atherosclerotic plaques based on a Chinese SLE cohort. The secondary aims of the study were to investigate progression of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and to examine the risk factors for increasing baPWV in patients with SLE.

Based on sample size calculation, 440 patients who meet the eligibility criteria will be enrolled in this study. All patients will be enrolled from Peking Union Medical College Hospital. After informed consent is obtained, the patients will be comprehensively evaluated from demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical assessments, laboratory tests results, CIMT and baPWV at baseline and 5-year follow-up. Descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis will be used to analyze the correlation between potential risk factors and CIMT/baPWV.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age≥18 years
• Fulfillment of clinical classification criteria of SLE (four or more 1997 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria)
• Provision of signed written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinically overt coronary artery disease
• A history of cardiovascular disease (previous stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, angina, or symptomatic PAD)
• Malignancy
• Pregnant/lactating women

The target population was patients with the clinical diagnosis of SLE. Study participants were recruited through a nationwide registry system created by the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research group. All patients were continuously enrolled as outpatients of the Department of Rheumatology in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), which is a renowned hospital in China.