RESUMO
To study the plasma adrenomedullin [AM] level in systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] patients and investigate its relation to disease activity and lap us nephritis. Taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations, disease activity assessment using SLE Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI] and plasma AM assay. Renal histopathology was done for the patients with overt renal involvement. Patients were divided into two subgroups: subgroup [1a] included patients with a history of renal involvement, and subgroup [1b] included patients without renal involvement. Ten age and sex-matched healthy subjects were included as a control group. SLE patients had highly significant higher plasma AM concentration than controls. In SLE patients, there was significant positive correlation between plasma AM concentration and each of SLEDAI and prednisolone dose. On the other hand, plasma AM concentration didn't show significant correlation with age, SLE disease duration, creatinine, proteinuria, C3 and C4. Subgroup [1a] had statistically significant higher plasma AM concentration and higher SLEDAI with increased proteinuria and creatinine than subgroup [1b]. SLE patients had higher plasma AM concentration than controls. SLE patients with a history of renal involvement had significant higher plasma AM concentration than those without renal involvement. These results suggest that AM has a role in the pathogenesis of SLE and lupus nephritis