2017-09

rheumatology international conference -Erbil

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which organs and cells undergo damage initially mediated by tissue-binding autoantibodies and immune complexes. Lymphopenia is a common hematological feature in patients with untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).It has been associated with disease activity and has both prognostic and diagnostic implications. Lymphopenia may be caused by factors other than SLE. Medications including cytotoxic agents, infections and hospital setting can also contribute to reduction in lymphocyte count, which may not be a direct reflection of disease activity. The aim of our study is to determine association of lymphopenia with clinical manifestation and laboratory abnormality as well as disease activity. Methods: Cross sectional prospective Study was performed based on the clinical and laboratory records. A total of (40) patients who already diagnosed as SLE in Rheumatology Center in Duhok city) participated and all from duhok governorate. Full history and clinical examination done for them in addition to laboratory investigation .Lymphocytes count was expressed in two groups: ​1-Normal: count 1500/cmm or more. ​2-Lymphopenia: count less than 1500/cmm The association of lymphopenia with different clinical and laboratory manifestation was examined first and then association of lymphopenia with disease activity index done . Resutls : Lymphopenia was significantly association with both (arthralgia and/or arthritis, and anemia). andstrongly associated with disease activity ( i.e high SLEDAI). Conclusion: Lymphopenia is a common laboratory manifestation in patients with SLE and have significant clinical value. It has several associations with clinical/laboratory features. Lymphopenia significantly associate with disease activity index (SLEDAI), and it’s an indicator of disease activity.