AI Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess growth factor levels and lung function (DLCO) in 21 women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to 24 healthy controls.
- Among the patients, those without visible lung issues on HRCT (HRCT-negative) had significantly higher TNF-α levels, while correlations between TNF-α and bFGF were found.
- Thirteen patients showed reduced DLCO, indicating potential lung issues even in asymptomatic SLE patients, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and further research into TNF-α's role.
Article Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate serum concentrations of selected growth factors and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in 21 females treated for systemic lupus erythematosus. The control group consisted of 24 healthy women. Based on the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), patients were allocated to a subgroup of 11 subjects (HRCT-negative) and a subgroup of 10 with pulmonary abnormalities (HRCT-positive). In HRCT-negative patients a significantly higher level of TNF-α as compared with the control was observed and positive correlation between TNF-α and bFGF was revealed in this subgroup and in the total group of patients. DLCO was below the predicted value in 13 patients. No correlations between DLCO and growth factors concentrations were observed. DLCO reduction in asymptomatic, with respect to the respiratory system, SLE patients suggests a need for long-term monitoring of this parameter. The role of TNF-α in these patients requires further investigations.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00296-009-0930-7 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!