Immunoinflammatory markers and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: something old, something new

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the utility of some novel inflammatory markers compared with traditional laboratory markers in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. In a cohort of 43 SLE patients [19 with inactive and 24 with active SLE] and 20 healthy controls, serial measures of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule [sVCAM-1] were significantly associated with SLE disease activity, scored using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index. Inflammatory markers neopterin and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule [sICAM-1] appeared to be clinically useful for isolated assessments of disease activity. Both antibodies to double-stranded DNA [antidsDNA] and sVCAM-1 were relatively good markers of disease activity and could help to predict remission or monitor the therapeutic response in SLE