Mathian A, Mouries-Martin S, Dorgham K, et al. - A total of 254 individuals with SLE in remission, according to the Definition of Remission in SLE classification, were involved in the study and to examine interferon-alpha (IFN-α) expression in remission and its prognostic value in the prognostication of a disease relapse, serum IFN-α levels were ascertained using an ultrasensitive single-molecule array digital immunoassay which enables the measurement of cytokines at physiological concentrations. Of all patients in remission, abnormally high IFN-α serum levels that were correlated with the presence of antibodies specific for ribonucleoprotein (RNP), double-stranded (ds)DNA and Ro/SSA60, as well as young age, were displayed by 26% individuals. Significantly, raised-baseline IFN-α serum levels and remission duration were related in an independent manner, with quicker time to relapse, while low serum levels of complement component 3 and anti-dsDNA Abs were not. Thus, direct serum IFN-α evaluation with highly sensitive digital immunoassay allows clinicians to recognize a subgroup of patients with SLE, clinically in remission, although at higher risk of relapse.