Title of article :
The Association Between Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C3, C4, Anti-dsDNA Levels, and Renal Disease Activity, Based on BILAG Index in Females With Lupus Nephritis
Author/Authors :
Hadi Negin نويسنده Department of Community Medicine, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , Mousavi Roknabadi Razieh Sadat نويسنده Community Medicine Resident, Community Medicine Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran , Habib Agahi Zahra نويسنده Assistant Professor of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran , Rezvan Bahareh نويسنده Community Medicine Resident, Community Medicine Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran , Mantegh Ali نويسنده Medical Student, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
Abstract :
[Background]Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves many organs, such as the kidneys. Females are most affected and early detection of renal disease activity is very important for morbidity and mortality reduction.[Objectives]The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between ESR, C3, C4, and anti-dsDNA levels and renal disease activity, based on renal components of the British Isles lupus assessment group (BILAG) index, in females with lupus nephritis (LN).[Methods]This study retrospectively reviewed the medical files of 150 females, diagnosed as LN, who were on routine follow-up at Hafez hospital lupus clinic located in Shiraz, Southern part of Iran (during years 2014 to 2015). The BILAG index score was extracted and data was analyzed (α = 0.05).[Results]In all 150 females with SLE, the mean (SD) age was 37.1 (10.6) years. There were significant relationships between BILAG index score and higher ESR level (P value = 0.01), positive anti-dsDNA (P value < 0.001) and low C4 level (P value = 0.003), statistically. However, the results were not significant for mild level of ESR and low level of C3.[Conclusions]This study confirmed that the BILAG index score was a valuable predictive index for renal disease involvement in females with LN; thus the authors suggest clinicians to use this index for better LN management.
