Based on their chart and information gained during the appointment, patients may also be referred to a nutritionist or a physical therapist to help them make changes that will lower their risk for cardiovascular disease. Sotiria Tzakas, M.S., R.D., CDN, from the Nutrition Department and Josephine Park, MSPT, OCS, from the Rehabilitation Department are consultants for the program and co-authors of the abstract being presented.

The authors say that their study highlights that programs designed to help patients understand the cardiovascular risks associated with lupus are very well received by patients. The counseling helps patients increase their knowledge and begin to make behavior changes.

"Physicians should recognize that patients do not understand their cardiovascular risk," said Dr. Erkan. "Educating them about these risks should be considered a part of standard lupus care. We would encourage other hospitals to create similar programs."

As the program continues, Drs. Erkan and Haiduc will also analyze clinical factors to determine whether, in addition to behavioral change, there is a decrease in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the patients who have undergone counseling.

The counseling program is jointly sponsored by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Community Trust. The program is one of the patient education and counseling programs within the new Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Care, which also provides lupus patients with comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessments, support programs and access to clinical trials. For more about the program and the center, please go to www.hss/lupuscenter.

Source: Hospital for Special Surgery