What are the tests for systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus requires examination of anti nuclear antibody spectrum, blood routine, urine routine, complement levels, and skin biopsy. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease involving multiple systems, and its diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations and laboratory tests.

1. Antinuclear antibody spectrum

Antinuclear antibody spectrum is the core screening item for systemic lupus erythematosus, including specific antibodies such as anti double stranded DNA antibodies and anti Sm antibodies. The positivity rate of anti double stranded DNA antibodies is high and correlated with disease activity, while anti Sm antibodies have strong specificity but low sensitivity. These antibody tests are helpful in distinguishing from other connective tissue diseases, and if the results are abnormal, further evaluation should be combined with other indicators.

2. Blood routine

Blood routine can detect common blood system abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus, such as leukopenia, lymphopenia, or thrombocytopenia. Some patients may experience hemolytic anemia, characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin and an increase in reticulocytes. Abnormal blood routine indicates disease activity or complications, and regular monitoring is necessary to guide treatment adjustments.

3. Urine routine

Urine routine combined with urine protein quantification can detect lupus nephritis early, manifested as proteinuria, hematuria, or tubular urine. About half of systemic lupus erythematosus patients will involve the kidneys, and those with abnormal urine tests need to undergo further renal biopsy to clarify the pathological classification. Regular urine tests are crucial for monitoring the progression of kidney damage.

4. Complement levels

The detection of complement C3 and C4 levels can reflect disease activity, and active patients often experience a decrease in complement depletion. The decline of complement is associated with serious complications such as lupus nephritis and vasculitis, and the recovery of complement after treatment indicates improvement in the condition. Dynamic monitoring of complement can help evaluate treatment efficacy and prognosis.

5. Skin biopsy

Skin biopsy is suitable for suspected cutaneous lupus erythematosus or patients with difficult differential diagnosis. The typical pathological manifestations are epidermal atrophy, basal cell liquefaction degeneration, and dermal lymphocyte infiltration. Direct immunofluorescence examination shows IgG and complement deposition at the epidermal dermal junction, which has important diagnostic value for atypical cases.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should avoid triggering factors such as sun exposure and infection in their daily lives, maintain a regular schedule, and keep moderate exercise. The diet should be light and rich in high-quality protein, limiting high salt and high-fat foods. Strictly follow the doctor's advice on medication and undergo regular check ups. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as fever and edema occur. Psychological counseling and family support have a positive effect on improving long-term prognosis.