P82 Impaired Skin Microvascular Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Objectives

Alterations in skin microcirculation have been associated with damage in various microvascular beds [1]. Endothelial dysfunction in microcirculation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases, contributing substantially to the increased cardiovascular risk of these patients. Laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) is a novel non-invasive technique that can be used to evaluate endothelial function of skin microcirculation [2]. Previous studies have shown impaired skin endothelial function in patients with systemic sclerosis. To our knowledge, no previous study has evaluated skin microcirculation in patients with SLE using LASCA [3,4].

Design and Methods

Fifty-two individuals (25 SLE patients and 27 matched controls) were studied. In all subjects, forearm skin blood flow was recorded under standardized conditions using a laser speckle contrast imager (PeriCam PSI NR System, Perimed). Post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) was assessed following a standardized protocol and data were analyzed with signal processing software (PIMSoft, Perimed). The amplitude of PORH responses was expressed as a percentage increase between peak and baseline perfusion (%).

Results

There were no differences among the two groups in age, sex, body mass index and hypertension status. Post occlusion reperfusion in SLE patients, was significantly lower as compared to non-SLE controls (155.5 ± 53.1 vs 194.5 ± 40.5% respectively, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Patients with SLE demonstrate impaired skin microvascular endothelial function, providing a link that could explain the increased cardiovascular risk that these patients bear.