Predictive value of anti-DNA antibody and selected laboratory studies in systemic lupus erythematosus.

In a retrospective study of 71 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a large number of clinical and laboratory variables were studied in order to determine their predictive value of morbidity and mortality. Patients were followed for an average of 57 months. Anti-DNA antibody, hemoglobin and creatinine levels at initial evaluation correlated significantly (p less than 0.05) for subsequent course of SLE, although each parameter was not a good predictor for final outcome. Anti-DNA correlated better with subsequent course in patients who were diagnosed within 12 months of the initial evaluation. By comparison, other measured parameters were not predictive at all. Anti-DNA, hemoglobin, creatinine and C3 levels at the time of most recent evaluation (date last seen) correlated strongly (p less than 0.01-p less than 0.001) with concurrent clinical status.