Which renal dysfunction test is crucial for evaluating kidney involvement in SLE?

Urinalysis is a crucial test for evaluating kidney involvement in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because it provides valuable information about the kidneys' health and function. In SLE, kidney involvement, also known as lupus nephritis, can lead to various abnormalities detectable through urinalysis. Common findings include the presence of protein (proteinuria), blood (hematuria), and casts, which indicate inflammation or damage to the renal tissues. The results from urinalysis can help clinicians assess the extent of kidney involvement and guide further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

Other tests, such as fasting glucose, lipid profile, and thyroid panel, are not specific to kidney involvement in SLE. The fasting glucose test primarily assesses glucose metabolism and is used to diagnose diabetes. The lipid profile evaluates cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are important for assessing cardiovascular health but do not provide information about kidney function. The thyroid panel assesses thyroid function and disorders, which are separate from the renal issues associated with lupus. Therefore, urinalysis stands out as the most relevant and critical test for monitoring renal dysfunction in SLE.