Study: Keep HCQ Blood Levels Up to Avoid Cardiovascular Disease in Lupus
(MedPage Today) -- People taking hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showed markedly increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease when blood levels of the drug were low and when long-term adherence was poor...
A new study highlights the importance of maintaining adequate hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blood levels in lupus patients to minimize cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers from Yale University found that low HCQ blood levels and poor adherence resulted in a significantly higher predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk of 6.6% compared to a 4.5% risk for those with therapeutic blood levels.
As HCQ blood levels declined over time, the patients' cardiovascular risk also increased, with a 5.7% risk for those whose blood levels and adherence worsened during the study. Other risk factors included kidney disease, higher SLE Damage Index scores, and longer disease duration. Patients using biologic drugs alongside HCQ had a lower cardiovascular disease risk.
The study emphasizes the need for monitoring both drug levels and adherence, as the latter captures adherence over time and the former reflects actual biological exposure to the drug. Treating patients with optimal HCQ blood levels and adherence could optimize cardiovascular risk and improve SLE outcomes.
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