Which of the following is a common complication of SLE?

Kidney damage, specifically lupus nephritis, is a well-known complication associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This occurs because SLE is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, including those in the kidneys. Lupus nephritis can lead to inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, which are the kidney's filtering units, potentially resulting in proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), hematuria (blood in the urine), and renal failure if not managed properly.

Recognizing kidney damage as a significant concern in SLE is crucial for patient care, as early detection and treatment can help manage this complication effectively. Monitoring kidney function is a standard part of management in individuals with SLE, underlining the importance of renal health in the context of this disease.

While high blood pressure, skin infections, and diabetes can occur in individuals with SLE, they are not as directly linked to the pathology of the disease as kidney damage is. High blood pressure may result from kidney involvement, skin infections can occur due to immune system compromise, and diabetes is a separate metabolic condition, making kidney damage the most relevant and common complication in the context of SLE.