Value of Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) As a Novel Biomarker for Uveitis in Behçet’s Disease

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level as a biomarker for uveitis in Behçet’s Disease (BD). Methods In this cross-sectional study, two groups of BD patients were examined: 33 with uveitis and 27 without uveitis. All patients were clinically evaluated, with disease activity measured by Behçet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) score. They also underwent thorough ophthalmic evaluation, and routine laboratory investigations, including serum ADMA. Results Patients with BD who experienced active or inactive uveitis had higher levels of serum ADMA compared to those without uveitis. Anterior (ρ = 0.34, p < 0.01), posterior (ρ = 0.3, p < 0.05), and pan uveitis (ρ = 0.35, p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with serum ADMA levels. However, there was no significant correlation between ADMA and other BD manifestations. ROC curve analysis showed that increased serum ADMA levels in BD patients predicted uveitis with a sensitivity of 61.8%, specificity of 96.2%, and AUC of 0.78(95% CI: 0.66–0.9, p < 0.001). Conclusion Serum ADMA level can serve as a novel biomarker of uveitis in BD and its severity with good diagnostic accuracy, regardless of its site or activity.