Abstract
Objective: To compare serum level MK in SLE patients and control and to analyze the relation between the serum MK level and disease activity in SLE.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Adam Malik Hospital from January to June 2017. Diagnosis of SLE was established according to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria and disease activity was assessed using the Mexican Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (MEX-SLEDAI). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: There were 90 subjects and divided into 2 groups: SLE patients group (n=40) and healthy control group (n=50). Midkine levels were increased in the serum of SLE patients compared by health control (p<0.001). Elevated Midkine serum levels was significant difference between active disease and remision (p=0.018).
Conclusion: Elevated Midkine serum level could be a marker of SLE disease activity and have a role in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Key words: Midkine, systemic lupus erythematosus, arthralgias.