Atorvastatin to Prevent Avascular Necrosis of Bone in Steroid Treated Exacerbated Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Summary

This study uses the cholesterol lowering drug atorvastatin, also known as lipitor, to show reduction of avascular necrosis in steroid treated lupus patients. Avascular necrosis is a disease resulting from the loss of blood supply to the bones which can cause the bone to collapse. The collapse of bone may require a surgical replacement of the joint and can be disabling for life. Avascular necrosis is presently not preventable but research has shown that lipid lowering drugs such as lipitor can reduce or prevent avascular necrosis in animals. We therefore hypothesize that lipitor will reduce the incidence of avascular necrosis in lupus patients taking high dose steroids.

Timeline

Start

2002-11

Primary completion

2008-01

Completion

2008-01

Publications

• Background Belmont HM, Lydon E. Avascular necrosis prevention with lipitor in lupus erythematosus. Lupus. 2005;14(10):869-70. doi: 10.1191/0961203305lu2189xx. No abstract available.

Drugs

Indications