Rheumatology · NEET PG Preparation Medicine
A 32-year-old woman presents with polyarthralgia, malar rash, and generalized fatigue. Laboratory investigations reveal positive antinuclear antibodi…
Practice question from Rheumatology (NEET PG Preparation Medicine), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
easy · MCQ · Q-B939F4
A 32-year-old woman presents with polyarthralgia, malar rash, and generalized fatigue. Laboratory investigations reveal positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in a homogeneous pattern and high titer anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies. Which of the following complement profiles is most characteristic of active disease flares in this condition?
- A.Elevated C3 and C4 levels
- B.Normal C3 and C4 levels
- C.Decreased C3 and C4 levelsCorrect answer
- D.Elevated C3 with decreased C4 levels
Solution
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) flares, particularly involving lupus nephritis, are typically characterized by consumption of complement components due to immune complex-mediated activation of the classical pathway, leading to decreased serum levels of C3 and C4.
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