Elevated serum BAFF levels are associated with rising anti-double-stranded DNA antibody levels and disease flare following B cell depletion therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract

To determine whether serum BAFF levels correlate with relapse or remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) following B cell depletion therapy (BCDT) and to assess the relationship between serum BAFF levels, B cell numbers, and immunoglobulin and autoantibody levels during active disease, both before and after BCDT.