title: Systemic lupus erythematosus activity and beta two microglobulin levels.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a cyclical clinical course. Evaluation of the clinical activity of this disease is important for choosing the correct treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the value of beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) serum levels in determining SLE clinical activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional analytical study conducted at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a private university hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  129 SLE patients were studied regarding disease activity using SLEDAI (SLE Disease Activity Index) and cumulative damage using SLICC ACR (SLE International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index for SLE). At the same time, the β2M serum level, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), anti-dsDNA (anti-double-stranded DNA) and C3 and C4 complement fractions were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  β2M levels correlated positively with SLEDAI (P = 0.02) and ESR (P = 0.0009) and negatively with C3 (P = 0.007). Patients who were positive for anti-dsDNA had higher β2M serum levels (P = 0.009).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  β2M levels are elevated in SLE patients with active disease.
authors: Faculdade Evangélica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
authors: Thelma Larocca
authors: TL
authors: Skare
authors: Faculdade Evangélica do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil.
authors: Kellen
authors: K
authors: Ferri
authors: Faculdade Evangélica do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil.
authors: Marcela Aimone
authors: MA
authors: Santos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000032:analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D006454:Hemoglobins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein