Evaluation of the Association between CD4, CD8 and CD25 Cell Counts and SLE in Active Disease and in Remission.

AIM: To evaluate the correlation between the levels of CD4, CD8 and CD25 cells and SLE disease in active phase and in remission.

METHODS: A total of 25 SLE patients, aged between 18-60 years, and fulfilling the ACR criteria with preferential Renal and CNS involvement were included in this study. Baseline CD4/CD8 and CD25 counts, lab parameters etc were conducted. Approximately at the end of 6 months with the settlement of the disease activity blood sample was drawn for the CD4, CD8 and CD25 counts and other lab parameters.

RESULTS: ESR showed a statistical significant decrease while the SLEDAI score and proteinuria showed a decreasing trend as the patients underwent remission. The C3 showed an increasing trend, while the C4 showed more or less a stable pattern. Rise in %CD4 and %CD25 count was statistically significant. There was negative correlation between % CD4 count and SLEDAI score, while positive correlation between % CD25 count and SLEDAI score.

CONCLUSIONS: %CD4 count is a sensitive, specific, reliable and valid marker of active disease in SLE and can be used to follow disease activity. %CD25 count can also be used as a marker to follow disease activity.