SLE — Clinical

A 28-year-old woman with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (Class IV, diffuse proliferative) presents with proteinuria 3.5 g/day, serum creatinine 1.8 mg/dL, and active urinary sediment. She is currently on prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day. Complement levels (C3, C4) are low, and anti-dsDNA titres are elevated. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 28-year-old woman with newly diagnosed SLE presents with fever, arthralgia, and a malar rash. Laboratory workup shows ANA positivity and low C3/C4 levels. Which is the most common cause of death in SLE patients?

A 32-year-old woman with established SLE (ANA+, anti-dsDNA+) presents with acute-onset severe headache, confusion, and photophobia. Vital signs show fever (38.5°C) and blood pressure 158/98 mmHg. Fundoscopy reveals retinal hemorrhages and cotton-wool spots. CSF analysis shows pleocytosis (WBC 120/μL, predominantly lymphocytes) with normal glucose and protein. Which investigation is most appropriate to differentiate lupus cerebritis from meningitis?

A 28-year-old woman with SLE presents with a new onset seizure. Which is the most common cause of seizures in SLE patients?

A 28-year-old woman with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (Class IV) is being evaluated for extra-renal manifestations of SLE. Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of SLE?