Cardiovascular Risk Factors and LCH in Adults

Langerhans-cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease with features of chronic inflammation and hypopituitarism, conditions associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To investigate glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, structural arterial and functional endothelial properties in patients with multisystem LCH in a prospective, observational study. Interventions:Cardiovascular risk factors: arterial blood pressure, lipid profile, mathematical indices of insulin resistance (IR), intima media thickness, brachial artery flow mediated dilatation, dynamic indices of IR, pituitary function and C-reactive protein will be estimated in patients with LCH and in a control group matched for gender, age, BMI and smoking habits.