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Exocrine pancreatic function in children with systemic lupus erythematosus
A Eberhard1, R Couper, P Durie
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Elevated serum immunoreactive cationic trypsinogen (IRT) is common in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). High IRT at diagnosis may indicate underlying vasculitis, not drug effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect multiple organs.
- Pancreatic involvement in pediatric SLE is not well-characterized.
- Serum immunoreactive cationic trypsinogen (IRT) is a marker of pancreatic exocrine function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and spectrum of pancreatic disease in pediatric SLE.
- To investigate the relationship between IRT levels and SLE activity, treatment, and complications.
Main Methods:
- Serum IRT levels were measured in 185 samples from 35 pediatric SLE patients.
- Samples were analyzed at diagnosis and during treatment.
- Correlation with clinical data, including medications and disease activity, was assessed.
Main Results:
- 43% of patients had elevated IRT levels at least once.
- 35% of patients had elevated IRT at diagnosis, which normalized with treatment.
- Elevated IRT was not associated with prednisone or azathioprine but may correlate with vasculitis.
Conclusions:
- Elevated IRT is a common finding in pediatric SLE.
- High IRT at diagnosis may suggest underlying pancreatic inflammation or damage, potentially linked to vasculitis.
- IRT monitoring could aid in assessing pancreatic involvement in pediatric SLE.