Effects of a lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: The study “Living well with lupus”

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with a high cardiovascular risk profile.

This trial was conducted in Sao Paulo, Brazil between August 2020 and March 2023. The patients were randomly assigned to lifestyle intervention or control. The intervention was a 6-month multifaced program focused on behavioral changes through personalized recommendations for increasing physical activity (structured and non-structured) and improving eating aspects. Cardiometabolic risk score (primary outcome), anthropometry and visceral fat, aerobic capacity, blood pressure, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and blood flow and endothelial function were assessed before and after the intervention.

A total of 80 patients were randomized. Twelve and 6 patients dropped out due to personal reasons in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Average adherence rate for the intervention was 56.9%. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant difference between groups in the cardiometabolic risk score (intervention group – Pre: 1.7 ± 3.6; Post: -1.6 ± 4.0; control group – Pre: -1.9 ± 3.6; Post: -2.0 ± 3.8; estimated mean difference between groups at post: -0.4; 95% confidence intervals: -2.7; 1.9; p = 0.96). This finding was confirmed by exploratory, per-protocol analysis. No significant differences were observed between adherents vs. non-adherent participants. Secondary outcomes did not change between groups.

This 6-month, individualized, lifestyle intervention did not improve cardiovascular risk factors in SLE patients with a high cardiovascular risk profile.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04431167).