Question

A 25 year old female patient comes to the clinic with a maculopapular butterly-shaped rash on the middle of the face. Which of the following lab values may indicate systemic lupas erythematous?

a. UA is positive for proteinuria
b. UA is positive for leukocytes
c. UA is negative for proteinuria
d. UA is negative for leukocytes

Answer 1

A UA positive for proteinuria is the lab value that may indicate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), since protein in the urine suggests possible kidney damage, which is a symptom of SLE.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lab value that may indicate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in a 25-year-old female patient with a maculopapular butterfly-shaped rash on the face is UA positive for proteinuria. The presence of protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney involvement, which is one of the common symptoms of SLE. In contrast, a UA positive for leukocytes might indicate an infection, not necessarily SLE. A negative result for both proteinuria and leukocytes would be less likely to suggest SLE. Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by its autoimmune nature, causing a wide array of symptoms across different parts of the body due to the production of autoantibodies—including ANAs, anti-ds-DNA, and anti-Sm—which can lead to type III hypersensitivity reactions and subsequent tissue damage.