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Biomarkers in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Ellen M Cody1, Hermine I Brunner2
1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MC 7022, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3930, USA.
Insights
This review explores promising blood and urine biomarkers for diagnosing childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Early detection through these biomarkers is crucial for improving outcomes in cSLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with varied presentations, making diagnosis difficult.
- Current diagnostic biomarkers for SLE are insufficient, particularly for childhood-onset SLE (cSLE).
- cSLE presents with higher morbidity and mortality, necessitating early and accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the most investigated biomarkers currently under development for cSLE.
- To focus on biomarkers measurable in accessible biological fluids like blood and urine.
- To highlight advancements in diagnostic tools for pediatric autoimmune diseases.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on cSLE biomarkers.
- Focus on biomarkers with potential for clinical application in blood and urine.
- Analysis of biomarker development stages and diagnostic utility.
Main Results:
- Identification of several promising biomarkers in development for cSLE diagnosis and monitoring.
- Evaluation of the potential of blood-based and urine-based biomarkers.
- Discussion of the challenges and future directions in cSLE biomarker research.
Conclusions:
- New biomarkers are essential for improving the diagnosis and management of cSLE.
- Blood and urine biomarkers show significant potential for early cSLE detection.
- Further research is needed to validate these biomarkers for clinical use in pediatric lupus patients.
Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, multisystem chronic autoimmune disease. Because of its diverse phenotypes, diagnosis of SLE can be challenging, and current biomarkers are insufficient. Childhood-onset SLE (cSLE), although less prevalent, has higher morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis is critical for improving outcomes. Many studies have focused on discovering new biomarkers to better diagnose and monitor SLE and cSLE. Herein, the authors aim to review the most investigated biomarkers in development for cSLE, focusing on those that can be measured in the blood or urine.
