Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Internal Medicine

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic; usually life- long, potentially fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks various organs in the body. It occurs predominantly in women during reproductive age. SLE is characterized by multisystem microvascular inflammation with the generation of autoantibodies. It is also characterized by unpredictable exacerbations and remissions with various clinical manifestations. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a prothrombotic, systemic associated thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. APS can occur as an isolated, primary condition or be associated with a connective tissue disorder such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Accelerated atherosclerosis (ATH) is more common and occurs much earlier in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and it causes significant morbidity and mortality. Traditional risk factors do not fully explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, strongly suggesting that autoimmunity contributes to accelerated atherosclerosis. The aim of the research is to study the correlation between soluble TWEAK, serum leptin and the development of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE patients and those with antiphosholipid syndrome

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