Methods for identifying subjects at risk of thrombosis or malignancy

A method of identifying a subject suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is at risk of thrombosis or malignancy, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. contacting at least one biological sample obtained from a subject suffering from SLE with:
• i. at least one first specific binding partner, wherein the at least one first specific binding partner comprises a polypeptide comprising amino acids 43 to 246 of mature human transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM), and further wherein at least one anti-TFAM antibody in the sample specifically binds to the polypeptide, and
• ii. at least one type of second specific binding partner comprising a detectable label, wherein the second specific binding partner specifically binds to at least one anti-TFAM antibody in the sample, thereby producing one or more types of first complexes comprising the first specific binding partner-anti-TFAM antibody-second specific binding partner;
• b. assessing a signal from one or more types of first complexes, wherein the amount of detectable signal from the detectable label indicates the amount of at least one anti-TFAM antibody in the sample;
• and
• c. identifying the subject as at risk of thrombosis or for malignancy if the amount of first complexes in the sample higher than a reference level or not at risk of thrombosis or for malignancy if the amount of first complexes in the sample is equal to or lower than a reference level, wherein the reference level is based on the amount of first complexes detected in a control group of human subjects who do not suffer from SLE.