Open AccessEvaluating systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity using molecular markers of hemostasis
Author(s) -
Inoh Masayukiinoh,
Tokuda Michiaki,
Kiuchi Hiroyuki,
Kurata Noriyuki,
Takahara Jiro
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780390217
Subject(s) - fibrinolysis , hemostasis , medicine , plasmin , immunology , d dimer , latex fixation test , lupus erythematosus , coagulation , systemic disease , antibody , gastroenterology , disease , chemistry , enzyme , biochemistry
Objective . To determine the usefulness of measuring sensitive markers of the coagulation–fibrinolysis system (i.e., thrombin–antithrombin III complex [TAT], D dimer fragments [DD], and plasmin–α 2 ‐plasmin inhibitor complex [PIC]) for evaluating disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods . We studied 57 SLE patients. Plasma concentrations of DD were measured by latex agglutination using monoclonal antibodies; TAT and PIC were determined by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Disease activity was determined by using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Results . Levels of TAT, DD, and PIC were higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls ( P < 0.05). Levels of TAT and DD showed good correlations with SLEDAI scores (for TAT r = 0.66, P < 0.001; for DD r = 0.50, P < 0.001). Elevated levels of TAT, DD, and PIC were decreased following treatment. Conclusion . These results strongly suggest that measurement of molecular markers of hemostasis is useful for evaluating disease activity in patients with SLE.