THE LEVELS OF FERRITIN SERUM AS A BIOMARKER TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN ACTIVE AND INACTIVE SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Abstract

Introduction: The Characteristic recurrence of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patients cannot be predicted. Lack of a reliable parameter that can predict an active clinical phase precludes the way to explore effective preventive strategies for disease relapse, while clinicians should balance the toxicity effect of prolonged use of immunosuppressive therapy. Aim: Knowing the function of serum ferritin as a biomarker to distinguish between active and inactive SLE

Methods: Cross-sectional research was conducted at the hospital general of Haji Adam Malik Medan from August to September 2019 in 65 SLE patients. Patients conducted a serum ferritin test and in value by using the MexSledai score. Data analysis using the Mann-Whitney test in SPSS 20th.

Result: Median (Min-max) serum ferritin levels of active SLE group 1519 (18.6-2218) ng/mL while inactive SLE Group is 250 (10.5-2000) ng/mL. There are significant differences in serum ferritin levels between active and inactive SLE groups (p = 0,004). ROC curve plot on was found the value of the serum ferritin cutoff can be used to diagnose active SLE. Cutoff value for ferritin levels is (486.0 ng/mL) with a sensitivity value (100.0%) and specificity (90.5%).

Conclusion: Serum ferritin levels can be used as a biomarker to distinguish active and inactive SLE.