Association of plasma B lymphocyte stimulator levels and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To determine the association of plasma B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) levels, immunosuppressive therapy, and other clinical parameters with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Two hundred forty-five SLE patients were evaluated prospectively over a 2-year period at 4 centers. Assessments were performed every 3-6 months.