B-cell activating factor as a serological biomarker for polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

AIM: To investigate serum levels of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) in the patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), and to systematically examine the association between serum BAFF levels and disease activity in PM/DM patients.

PATIENTS &

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis included 92 PM/DM patients and 25 healthy control subjects. A longitudinal study followed 24 patients. Serum BAFF concentrations were detected by the ELISA method.

RESULTS

Serum BAFF levels in PM/DM patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. A cross-sectional assessment revealed a modest correlation between serum BAFF levels and global disease activity and a mild correlation between serum BAFF levels and muscle disease activity. The longitudinal study showed that serum BAFF levels modestly correlated with global disease activity and muscle disease activity.

CONCLUSION

Resulting data showed high serum BAFF levels in PM/DM patients and suggested BAFF as a serological biomarker for PM/DM disease activity.