BAFF level increased in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hematology

Background:

• B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is implicated in autoimmune diseases.
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) involves antibodies attacking red blood cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum BAFF levels in AIHA patients.
• To correlate BAFF levels with serological characteristics in AIHA.

Main Methods:

• Measured serum BAFF levels in 44 AIHA patients and 25 healthy controls.
• Assessed BAFF levels in relation to direct antiglobulin test (DAT) results and clinical parameters.

Main Results:

• AIHA patients showed significantly higher serum BAFF levels than healthy controls (P = 0.0057).
• Elevated BAFF levels were observed in patients with IgG(+)C3(+) and IgG(+) DAT results.
• No correlation was found between BAFF levels and hemoglobin, reticulocyte percentage, bilirubin, or LDH.

Conclusions:

• AIHA patients exhibit increased serum BAFF, especially those with IgG(+)C3(+) DAT.
• Elevated BAFF may represent a therapeutic target for AIHA.