RESUMO
The present study was designed to evaluate the frequency of anemia of chronic diseases [ACD] in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] and to estimate serum levels of interleukin-6 [IL-6] and erythropotien [EPO] and to determine the serum positivity for antibodies to human EPO [anti-EPO antibodies] in patients with ACD so as to evaluate their probable role in pathogenesis of ACD. The study included 200 patients with SLE; all underwent clinical evaluation of disease activity using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group [BILAG] score and laboratory assessment of immunologic parameters. Hemoglobin concentration [Hb cone.] was determined and anemia was defined by haemoglobin concentration [Hb cone.] of