Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most frequent and severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and serves as a major predictor of poor prognosis . Delayed diagnosis significantly increases the risk of renal insufficiency and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) . Conventional laboratory markers-such as proteinuria, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, creatinine clearance, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, and complement levels-are commonly used to assess LN . However, these markers often lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis and disease monitoring .This limitation has prompted interest in identifying reliable, non-invasive, and cost-effective biomarkers for LN. The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio is one such biomarker, reflecting systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. In SLE, inflammation or proteinuria often leads to hypoalbuminemia, while increased immunoglobulin production elevates globulin levels, reducing the A/G ratio. Lower ratios have been associated with increased disease activity and organ damage .
Another emerging marker is the platelet/albumin (P/A) ratio, which integrates inflammatory status with nutritional and renal function indicators. It has demonstrated prognostic value in diabetes mellitus ,cardiovascular, hepatic, and autoimmune conditions .Despite their promise, these biomarkers have not been adequately studied in Egyptian LN patients. Given that regional and demographic variations may influence disease expression, evaluating these ratios in Upper Egypt may provide clinically relevant insights and inform local disease management strategies.
