Background and Aims Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterised by autoantibodies directed against self antigens, leading to inflammatory damage of many target organs. The infammatory soluble chemokine CXC motif ligand 16 ( sCXCL160) has been proposed as an important pathogenic mediator in inflammatory diseases, such as juvenileSLE.

This study aimed to evaluate serum level of sCXCL16 in patients with juvenile SLE (jSLE) for possible value of its estimation in assessing the disease activity and the extent of the disease.

Methods Twenty seven patients with jSLE and twenty healthy controls were included. Demographic and clinical features of the patients were recorded. Disease activity was assesssed using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). The serum levels of sCXCL16 were determined by Eliza and correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters and with SLEDAI. Renal biopsy was done to all patients.

Results The serum levels of sCXCL16 in jSLE patients were higher than controls (p<0.001), they were also siginificantly higher in patients with alopecia or malar rash than other jSLE .Positive correlation was identified between serum levels of sCXCL16 and SLEDAI score. There was a significant positive correlation between sCXCL16 levels and severity of lupus nephritis as assessed by renal biopsy. Serum levels of sCXCL16 were positively significantly correlated with the 24 hour urine protein,ANA, SBP, DBP AND ESR 1st hour. Serum sCXCL16 level was significanly negatively correlated with C3 serum level.

Conclusions Soluble CXCL16 could become a useful serological marker of disease activity and severity of renal involvement in jSLE patients.