IFN-λ1 with Th17 axis cytokines and IFN-α define different subsets in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Table 5 Clinical associations with the high levels of three cytokines: interferon-λ1, interleukin-17A, and interleukin-23

Characteristics	All other patients (n = 241)	IFN-λ1, IL-17A, and IL-23 triple-high (n = 20)	p Value
Age, years, mean (SD)	47 (14)	52.6 (16)	ns
Disease duration, years, mean (SD)	14 (11)	20 (14)	ns
SLAM >6 (%)	49.5	45	ns
SDI >1 (%)	38	65	0.02
Renal manifestations
Nephritis, ever, %	43	35	ns
Creatinine, μmol/L, median (IQR)	69 (60–82)	87 (66.5–100)	0.02
GFR ≤60 ml/minute/1.73 m², %	14	40	0.002
Renal damage, %	29	55	0.008
Laboratory parameters
Thrombocytopenia, ever, %	19	40	0.02
Triple-aPL, %	13	30	0.04
IP-10, pg/ml, median (IQR)	175 (116–325)	323 (250–478)	0.001
IFN-α, pg/ml, median (IQR)	30 (30–740)	30 (30–622)	ns

Abbreviations: aPL Antiphospholipid antibodies, GFR Glomerular filtration rate, IFN Interferon, IL Interleukin, IP-10 Interferon-γ-induced protein 10, ns Nonsignificant, SDI Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index, SLAM Systemic Lupus Activity Measure
Statistical analysis of continuous variables was performed by Student’s t test; values calculated as ratios were compared by nonparametric Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis test; and proportions were compared by chi-square or Fisher’s exact test

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