루푸스 신염의 활동성 예측 척도로서 혈청 C1q-Circulating Immune Complexes의 유용성

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether serum C1q-circulating immune complexes (C1q-CIC) serve as a predictive marker for renal flares in patients with lupus nephritis. Methods: Twenty-five patients with lupus nephritis and 24 healthy controls were enrolled. Patients with lupus nephritis had their serum C1q-CIC titers and other serologic parameters such as serum C3, C4, anti-dsDNA antibody, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate measured simultaneously. The systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) was also checked. Results: Serum C1q-CIC titers were higher in patients with lupus nephritis than in healthy controls (109.33±53.79 μg/mL vs. 75.28±22.91 μg/mL, p=0.008). A statistically significant association was found between serum C1q-CIC titers and C3 (p=0.011), C4 (p=0.027), and anti-dsDNA antibody (p=0.014). SLEDAI was also correlated with serum C1q-CIC titers (p=0.022). Conclusion: Serum C1q-CIC appears to be related to renal disease activity in patients with lupus nephritis. These results suggest that serum C1q-CIC is a predictive marker for renal flares in patients with lupus nephritis.