الفهرس 
Introduction and aim of the workOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 75 |  |  |
| | | from | 75 | | |
Abstract
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology, characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against cellular antigens, mainly nuclear antigens. Antids DNA antibodies are considered the main diagnostic tool for SLE The aim of the study: is to evaluate the level of Antinucleosome antibodies and its correlation with disease activity in SLE patients. Material and methods: Fortyfour female SLE patients werw selected and supjected to full history taking, full clinical examination. Laporatory investigations were done mainly to assess level of antinucleosome antibodies in serum of the patients using ELISA technique. Renal biopsy was also taken from patients with lupus nephritis to be examined histopathologically. Results: Antinucleosome antibodies and antids DNA antibodies showed high correlations with disease activity and high levels in patients with high risk of lupus nephritis . Conclusion and Recommendation: . Antinucleosome antibodies seem to be a promising marker which useful in assessment of disease activity in SLE patients. Antinucleosome antibodies are more sensitive marker for diagnosis of SLE than antids DNA. The increased titer of antinucleosome antibodies appears to be a sensitive marker for identifying patients at increased risk of lupus nephritis. Antinucleosome antibody has proved to be useful in diagnosing patients with SLE, perhaps a positive Antinucleosome antibody test should be included as one of the ACR criteria for diagnosing SLE.