Lupus Biomarkers Identified

Finding could lead to earlier, more accurate diagnosis of the autoimmune disease

THURSDAY, Nov. 4, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Protein biomarkers that could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the autoimmune disease lupus have been identified by University of Pittsburgh researchers.

"This is the first report of abnormal levels of the protein erythrocyte-C4d in human disease. Abnormally high levels of erythrocyte-C4d and low levels of erythrocyte-CR1 are characteristic of SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus] and combined measurement of the two proteins has high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for lupus," study author Dr. Susan Manzi, an associate professor of medicine, epidemiology and dermatology, said in a prepared statement.

She and her colleagues identified the protein biomarkers by analyzing blood samples from 100 people with lupus and comparing them to blood samples from healthy people and patients with other diseases.

The study appears in the November issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Senior author Dr. Joseph Ahearn, an associate professor of medicine, described the study's findings as substantial.

"Today we are one step closer to providing patients with an immediate and accurate diagnosis, one step closer to providing physicians with the ability to offer better treatment options and one step closer to providing incentive to lower the cost of health care for patients suffering from lupus," Ahearn said.

Lupus affects as many as 1.5 million Americans. It occurs 10 to 15 times more often in women than men. The disease causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissues and organs.

"Lupus is the prototypical autoimmune disease and arguably the greatest diagnostic challenge among rheumatologic diseases," Ahearn said. "The spectrum of disease among patients with SLE is broad and ranges from subtle or vague symptoms to life-threatening multi-organ failure, and the manifestations of lupus often mimic those of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose."

More information

The Arthritis Foundation has more about lupus.

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