Introduction:
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease of unknown pathogenesis. Tests for assessing disease activity are still not sufficiently sensitive and specific. The goal of our research was to determine the ratio of neutrophil/albumin (NAR), the ratio of neutrophil/C3 complement (NC3r) and the ratio of albumin to globulin (AGR) and to show their correlation with standard parameters for disease activity.
Methods:
The study included 59 patients with LN (mean age 44.05 ± 14.87) who were divided into two groups, Group 1- LN active form (LNa) 29 patients (mean age 42±17years) and Group 2- LN in remission (LNr) (mean age 46 ± 12 years). Standard laboratory findings were monitored, and NAR,NC3r and AGR were performed.
Results:
Statistically significant difference between groups was observed for creatinine (p= 0.03), and for albumin, complement C3, ANA, anti ds DNA Ab, proteinuria 24h, SLEDAI/r index (for all parameters: p<0.000). NAR, NC3r were elevated in patients with LNa and the AGR was lower compared to LNr (NAR: 0.17 ± 0.09 vs. 0.10 ± 0.05, p < 0.05 ; NC3r : 9.4 ± 6.2 vs. 4.6 ± 2.1; p < 0.05 ; AGR :1,23 ± 0.39 vs 1.47 ± 3.35, p = 0.006). Correlation of NAR with total proteins (r = -0.315, p= 0.016) albumin (r =-0.614, p=0.000), ANA(r=0.292, p=0.024),SLEDAI/r (r =0.468,p=0.000) was significant in the LNa group. Correlation of NC3r with : total proteins (r=-0.277, p= 0.033), albumin (r=-0.459, p=0.000), C3 (r=-0.702, p=0.000), C4(r=-0.479, p=0.000), anti ds DNA Ab (r=0.305, p=0.018) was significant in LNa group. The AGR in the LNa group significantly correlated with creatinine (r=0.2868,p=0.027), C3(r=0.407, p=0.001), ANA (r=-0.407, p=0.001), anti ds DNA Ab (r= -0.2829, p= 0.031), and SLEDAI/r score ( r= -0.614, p=0.000).
Conclusions:
In the group with active LN, the investigated markers NAR and NC3r were elevated, and AGR was lower compared to the group in remission, and a significant correlation of these markers with standard parameters of disease activity was observed. The marker AGR had a significant correlation with most parameters for LN activity. Determination of these markers could be significant in predicting LN activity.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.