Study of Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Biomarkers of Systemic Lupus Erythematous in A Cohort of Egyptian Children

Abstract

Background: The chronic autoimmune illness known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is typified by the generation of autoantibodies, inflammation, and tissue destruction in several organs as a result of the activation of several pre-inflammatory pathways.

SLE diagnosis, disease action prediction, and situation should all benefit considerably from recently labeled possible biomarkers.

Purpose: assessment the clinical characteristics, systemic involvement, and key laboratory biomarkers in a cohort of Egyptian pediatric SLE patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Nephrology Unit and Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of Mansoura University Children's Hospital (MUCH) with 50 Egyptian children with SLE and 50 controls. The patients' markers, biochemistry, and clinical characteristics were assessed. The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2000 was used to measure the baseline disease activity.

Results: Consanguinity was reported in 30.0% of cases, and 22.0% had a positive family history of autoimmune diseases. The mean age of disease onset was 11.2±2.14 years. Fever (96.0%), mucocutaneous lesions (88.0%), and arthritis (68.0%) were the most common clinical presentations. Lupus nephritis occurred in 78.0% of patients, predominantly presenting as Class IV (41.0%) and Class III (35.9%). Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations were present in 32.0%. Laboratory findings revealed low C3 levels in 94.0%, positive ANA in 98.0%, positive anti-dsDNA in 98.0%, and elevated ESR in 94.0%. Disease relapse was observed in 66.0% of patients. 

Conclusion: High rates of renal illness, high disease activity, and frequent relapses are seen in Egyptian pediatric SLE patients. In this population, biomarkers like anti-dsDNA, ANA, low C3, and increased ESR continue to be reliable diagnostic markers.