A cross-sectional study to assess the association of systemic lupus erythematsous disease activity with levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein

Abstract Background Earlier studies have shown that active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), though an inflammation, is not associated with high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. But a few recent studies have shown that high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) may be elevated in SLE and is associated with organ damage. Objective To evaluate the association between hsCRP levels and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 SLE patients. The SLEDAI was calculated and the hsCRP level was measured in the serum. Correlation between hsCRP levels and SLEDAI was assessed. Relationship of hsCRP levels with individual components of SLEDAI was also analyzed. Results Out of 40 patients, 38 (95%) were female. The mean age was 28.15 years. The mean SLEDAI was 27.4 ± 17.8, indicating that most of the patients had high disease activity. The mean hsCRP levels were 6.64 ± 5.09 mg/L. hsCRP levels and SLEDAI showed strong positive correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient r  = 0.91; p Conclusion hsCRP levels reflect SLE disease activity and are higher in patients with major organ involvement.