Circulating pentraxin-3 levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis.

Aim: An existing meta-analysis have investigated the PTX3 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, but the number of studies has increased since 2015. We performed an updated meta-analysis to derive a more accurate estimation. Methods: The related literature was systematically searched in PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library database (up to 28 February, 2019). Results: SLE patients had significantly higher PTX3 levels than controls (pooled SMD = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.11-0.84). Subgroup analyses indicated SLE patients from non-Caucasian population, with age ≥45 years, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) ≥10 and plasma samples had higher PTX3 levels. Conclusion: Circulating PTX3 levels are increased in SLE patients, and affected by age, ethnicity, SLEDAI and sample type.