EP35 What do patients with lupus know about cardiovascular risk: could dietary modification be a promising therapeutic?
Authors: Robinson George A , Navarro Elvira Chocano , Waddington Kirsty , Mcdonnell Thomas , Wincup Chris , Martin-Gutierrez Lucia , Maggio Annalisa , McLoughlin Eve , Rosser Lizzy , Naja Meena , Isenberg David A , Kalea Anastasia Z , Ciurtin Coziana , Pineda-Torra Ines , Jury Elizabeth C 
Published: April 2020

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality for patients with lupus. Understanding increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) in autoimmune diseases could improve CVR management in patients. The objective of a patient-focused event was to explore patient opinions about CVR and potential treatment options. A secondary objective was to learn about lupus patient experiences with diet including their opinion on considering diet as a therapeutic.

Methods

We hosted a patient event promoted through social media, relevant charities, hospitals and research groups. 13 patients with lupus and/or Sjögren’s syndrome attended and were asked about CVR using a questionnaire and round table discussion with researchers, clinicians and dietitians. In addition, a 15-question diet-based online survey was made publicly available for 3 weeks promoted through the same methods as the patient event.

Results

Sixty percent of patients were aware of the increased CVR associated with autoimmune rheumatic disease and 60% stated that their doctor had spoken to them about CVR. 73% thought that it was important for them to be aware of this increased CVR. When asked about medication to reduce CVR; no patients wanted to take a statin (lipid-lowering drug), however, 70% of patients would take statins if advised by their doctor. Conversely, respondents were more positive about using diet or taking a dietary supplement to reduce CVR; 71% would change their diet and 57% would take a supplement either on their own accord or on advice from health professionals. Some patients had already made changes to their diet to reduce their CVR, including reducing fat and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. All attendees were prepared to participate in a clinical study using diet modification strategies, having vascular scans to assess atherosclerosis and provide blood samples for CVR research in lupus. An online survey was used to further assess lupus patient opinion on modifying their diet depending on their CVR. 284 responses were received over 3 weeks. Patients reported there was a lack of clinical counselling regarding diet with only 24% of patients stating that their doctor had spoken to them about diet. Despite this, 100% of patients stated that they would change their diet if they knew it would help their symptoms and 83% would take part in a diet-based clinical trial, supporting the results from the face-to-face patient event. Text analysis of patient research suggestions identified an interest in using diet to manage fatigue and disease activity.

Conclusion

This multidisciplinary event and online survey successfully gathered patient information regarding CVR and diet. The opinions and comments provided evidence that patients support further research in cardiovascular studies, a demand for increased CVR and dietary clinical counselling and a preference to changing their diet, whilst avoiding medication, to reduce their CVR.

Disclosures

G.A. Robinson None. E. Chocano Navarro None. K. Waddington None. T. Mcdonnell None. C. Wincup None. L. Martin-Gutierrez None. A. Maggio None. E. McLoughlin None. L. Rosser None. M. Naja None. D.A. Isenberg None. A.Z. Kalea None. C. Ciurtin None. I. Pineda-Torra None. E.C. Jury None.