Lipitor ineffective for Atherosclerosis in pediatric Lupus

A trial to determine the efficacy and safety of Lipitor (atorvastatin), from Pfizer, in preventing subclinical Atherosclerosis progression in pediatric-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) found that the therapy was ineffective in reducing Atherosclerosis progression in children and adolescents. However results from the trial showed that the treatment could benefit patients with more severe SLE who were not included in the study. Accelerated Atherosclerosis is a long-term complication of SLE for both adult and pediatric patients but the prevalence of the condition in pediatric SLE is not clear currently. To investigate, the APPLE trial assessed 36-month therapy with Lipitor vs placebo in 221 SLE patients between 10 and 21 years of age. Results suggest no significant effect on progression of Atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with SLE who were treated with Lipitor. However a trend toward positive effect was detected in those with more severe disease activity. See: "Use of Atorvastatin in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children and Adolescents." Laura Schanberg et al. Arthritis & Rheumatism; Published Online: Oct. 27, 2011 (DOI: 10.1002/art.30645)