Which of the following laboratory test results is typically elevated in patients with SLE?

In patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is typically elevated. This is a non-specific inflammatory marker that indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. In SLE, which is characterized by widespread inflammation, an elevated ESR can be a common finding, reflecting the inflammatory processes associated with the disease.

Many factors can influence the ESR, including infections, various autoimmune diseases, and even some chronic conditions. In SLE, it often correlates with disease activity; higher levels might indicate a flare of the disease or increased systemic inflammation, making it a useful tool in clinical settings for monitoring disease progression.

Creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are more related to kidney function and may be elevated in cases of lupus nephritis, a serious complication of SLE. However, these markers are not exclusively indicative of SLE itself, whereas ESR is more directly associated with the generalized inflammatory state present in patients with SLE. Hemoglobin levels can be affected by SLE as well, often showing anemia due to chronic disease or hemolysis, but they are not specifically elevated; rather, they are frequently low in these patients.