The relationship between serum ferritin levels and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Serum ferritin levels of 72 SLE patients were measured. The SLE patients were subdivided into two groups according to SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) as ≤10 and ≥11. The results were compared with 31 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 36 patients among 72 with SLE were evaluated before and after treatment.

Results: Serum levels of ferritin in SLE patients were higher than RA patients (p<0,001). There was a significant difference in ferritin levels before and after treatment. The levels of ferritin in SLE were positively correlated with SLEDAI scores. Patients with SLEDAI scores ≥11 had significantly higher serum ferritin levels.

Conclusion: Serum ferritin levels may be a useful marker of disease activity in SLE patients.

• systemic lupus erythematosus
• serum ferritin
• SLEDAI
• acute phase response