A new study examined whether routine blood test measures could help in identifying disease flares in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and found that several blood biomarkers can potentially signal disease activity. 

The cross-sectional study was conducted over 10 years and classified disease activity of people with SLE using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K). The researchers analyzed blood biomarkers derived from standard complete blood count (CBC) samples, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte (ELR) ratios. The research compared the CBC results of 40 subjects experiencing a flare, 43 individuals in SLE remission, and 85 healthy controls. Individuals experiencing a disease flare had significantly higher NLR and RDW and lower ELR biomarker levels compared to those in remission, suggesting that these specific blood-derived biomarkers can detect lupus flares. 

The researchers conclude that CBC derived biomarkers, in particular RDW, NLR, and ELR, can serve as helpful biomarkers for distinguishing lupus flare activity, especially in settings where more complex tests may not be easily accessible. As such, they have the potential to be low-cost, simple management tools in resource-limited settings. More research is needed to determine the clinical utility of these biomarkers and confirm their prognostic value. Learn more about lupus flares.

Read the study