title: beta 2-Microglobulin and systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Serum beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) was measured in 115 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on 192 occasions. Raised beta 2-M was found in 16.4% of patients with only extrarenal manifestations of SLE, in 29.2% of patients with renal manifestation but an endogenous creatinine clearance greater than 80 ml/min/1.73 m2 and in 65.7% of patients with decreased creatinine clearance. beta 2-M was higher in SLE than non-SLE glomerulonephritides matched for creatinine clearance. Using an arbitrary scoring system, renal, extrarenal and serological activity correlated with beta 2-M. Changes in clinical activity on repeat studies were reflected by changes in beta 2-M. Serum beta 2-M can serve as a monitor of disease activity in SLE.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003404:Creatinine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D003404:Creatinine