The correlation between the levels of anti-dsDNA IgA antibody and the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus based on cutaneous vasculitis

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between anti double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) IgA levels and the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) regarding the presence of cutaneous vasculitis. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient installation of Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and Hasanuddin University hospital in Makassar from September 2020 to February 2021. Investigation of anti-ds-DNA IgA levels in SLE patients was performed in two groups: group A (SLE patients with cutaneous vasculitis) and group B (SLE patients without cutaneous vasculitis). The diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitis was based on the presence of efflorescence in the form of erythematous macules and papules, petechiae, urticaria, purpura, nodular lesions and ulcerated lesions. To assess the severity of SLE, the Mexican Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (MEX-SLEDAI) was employed; the SLE is severe if the value ranges from 11 to 19 and very severe if the value >20. Chi square and Fisher Exact were used in statistical analysis. The results are significant if the p value