Seurm ferritin level in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, relationship to disease activity

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients [SLE]. Serum ferritin level of 62 SLE patients was measured. SLE patients were subdivided into two groups according to SLE disease activity index [SLEDAI] as /= 11. The results were compared to 30 rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients. Thirty three patients among the 62 SLE ones were evaluated before and after treatment. Serum ferritin level was higher in SLE than in RA patients [p<0.001]. There was a significant difference in its level before and after treatment. Again, the level in SLE positively correlated with SLEDAI scores. Patients with SLEDAI scores >/= 11 had significantly higher serum ferritin level. Serum ferritin level may be a useful marker of disease activity in SLE patients