METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF DISEASE ACTIVITY AND RESPONSE TO TREATMENT IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) AND OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

摘要

The present invention provides methods of diagnosing and monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus and drug-induced lupus erythematosus by measuring cell-based complement activation products in a subject's blood. In particular, the invention describes a diagnostic method employing the measurement of multiple complement activation products, such as C3d and C4d, on the surfaces of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Kits and automated systems for performing the methods of the invention are also disclosed.