文摘
Background In juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), renal involvement (lupus nephritis) is frequently seen and can result in long-term morbidity. This prospective longitudinal study aimed to identify the utility of standard and/or novel biomarkers for monitoring and predicting lupus nephritis in a real world setting. Methods Using an unselected JSLE cohort, urine samples were collected during routine clinical review. Protein concentrations of urinary monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (uMCP1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) were analysed along with standard disease activity markers, and were compared with current and subsequent disease activity. Results JSLE patients (n--4; median age 14.1?years) were seen at 3 (interquartile range: 2-) clinical reviews over 364 (182-32) days. Multivariate analysis demonstrated uMCP1 and serum C3 as independent variables (p-lt;-.001) for active renal disease at the time of the current review. uMCP1 was an excellent predictor of improved renal disease over time (AUC: 0.81; p--.013). uNGAL was a good predictor of worsened renal disease activity (AUC 0.76; p--.04) over time. Conclusion Biomarkers (uMCP1, serum C3) can indicate current renal involvement in JSLE, whilst uMCP1 and uNGAL are able to predict subsequent renal disease activity changes. Moving towards biomarker-led monitoring may improve the renal outcome for our patients.