Haematological Parameters and Inflammatory Markers in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus versus Rheumatoid Patients and their Relationship with Disease Activity

Background: Changes in the quantity, forms, & dimensions of bone marrow cells & peripheral blood cells are brought about by the inflammatory process in rheumatic inflammatory illnesses, which is mediated by inflammatory cells & chemicals. Disagreement exists, nonetheless, about how inflammatory illnesses affect hematological parameters and inflammatory markers. Aim: To assess relations between hematological parameters and inflammatory markers & disease severity in RA and SLE patients. Subjects & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients divided into two groups: RA and SLE groups. Disease activity was assessed by Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity score. All the patients were subjected to laboratory investigations. Results: The frequency of high disease activity was elevated among SLE patients (76.7%), and RA patients (60.0%). Disease activity scores showed significant direct correlations with age, disease duration, ESR and CRP among SLE patients and RA patients, while WBCs and PLT showed significant indirect correlations with disease activity in SLE group. Conclusions: Both the RA and SLE groups had noticeably increased ESR and CRP levels. For SLE, there are helpful diagnostic instruments, and RA indicates disease activity. Still, more study has to be done to standardize these instruments.