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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by alternating periods of activity and remission. Evaluation of the clinical activity of SLE is important for choosing the correct treat¬ment. Current blood biomarkers for assessing SLE activity are not highly sensitive or specific to changes in disease activity. Therefore, the search for clinically useful markers of its activity is ongoing. This study aimed to evaluate serum beta-2 microglobulin (β2-MG) level in SLE patients and its relation to different clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters and disease activity using systemic lupus disease activity index (SLEDAI). The study included 40 SLE patients, divided according to SLEDAI into two groups: 20 active SLE patients with SLEDAI ≥4 and 20 inactive SLE patients with SLEDAI4. Also, 20 ages and sex matched apparently healthy individuals formed a control group. Serum β2-MG levels (mg/L) were measured by MININEPHPLUS. Furthermore, laboratory investigations and fundus examinations were performed. The study revealed a significant increase in serum β2-MG level in SLE patient groups (mean 6.77 ± 1.83 and 2.59 ± 0.43 mg/L), compared with the controls (0.82 ± 0.20mg/L, P=0.000), and its level increased in the active SLE group (mean 6.77 ± 1.83 mg/L) than in the inactive group of patients (mean 2.59 ± 0.43 mg/L). Serum β2-MG levels were significantly higher in SLE patients with arthritis, cutaneous and/or mucosal manifestations, Lupus nephritis, and cardiac manifestations but not in patients suffering from hematological, neurological or ocular manifestations. In active SLE patients, serum β2-MG levels correlated positively with SLEDAI, and ESR and correlated negatively with C3 and C4 complement. In conclusion, determination of β2-MG concentration in SLE patients may be helpful in assessing the disease activity as its serum level was higher in SLE patients especially those with active lupus and correlated with certain clinical and laboratory parameters. |
