Effects of a 3-month course of rosuvastatin in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a highly increased cardiovascular risk. Statins can reduce this risk, but may possess additional anti-inflammatory effects that are relevant for the treatment of SLE. In a preliminary study, we investigated the effects of a 3-month course of rosuvastatin on lipids and markers of inflammation using a randomised cross-over design. The study was approved by the institutional medical and ethical committee and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Based upon a previous, representative study,1 a sample size of 14 patients would be necessary to demonstrate a 25% reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (power = 80%). A dropout level of 35% (n = 5) was estimated.2 Patients with stable …