What is a normal C4 level?

Normal ranges for C4 is 15 to 45 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) (0.15 to 0.45 g/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

Can low C4 be normal?

Low levels of C4 strongly suggest immune complex disease. They are found most commonly in cases of active SLE, rheumatoid vasculitis (but not uncomplicated rheumatoid arthritis where C4 levels are usually normal).

Why is C4 low?

The complement component 4 (C4) test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of complement C4 circulating in your bloodstream. A low level of C4 is associated with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is usually the first sign of lupus?

One common early symptom that can be indicative of lupus is a photosensitive rash, meaning a rash that develops in response to sun exposure, particularly on the face and upper arms, says Dr. Kramer. Other early symptoms are unexplained fever and pain, swelling, and stiffness of multiple joints.

What is C3 and C4 blood test for?

C3 & C4 Blood Test measures the levels of Complement component 3 and Complement component 4 in the blood. The complement system comprises of more than 30 proteins in the blood, that play a significant role in the body’s immune system.

What does it mean if your C4 is high?

Complement C4 is a protein that is important for your immune function. It helps clear infections and protects against autoimmunity. Low levels may point to autoimmune disease, including lupus. High levels are rare, poorly understood, and may signal inflammation.

What causes elevated C3 and C4?

It seems that elevated C3 and C4 are likely to result of increased synthesis in the liver in response to cytokines e.g. IL-1β, IL-6 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which are increased in active CU and are known to control synthesis of the APR proteins [9].

What is a normal C3 level?

The normal range is 88 to 201 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) (0.88 to 2.01 g/L). Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

What is elevated C3?

Higher-than-normal results Often these are related to inflammation. Some conditions associated with elevated complement can include: cancer. viral infections. non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Why are C3 and C4 low in lupus?

While C3 may also be low in SLE, its levels tend to remain normal due to the inhibition of classical pathway activation by C4 binding protein [26]. Low levels of C3 are usually associated with low levels of Factor B, indicating an increased C3 turnover through involvement of the alternative pathway [27, 28].

How is SLE diagnosed?

How is SLE diagnosed? SLE is diagnosed by a health care provider using symptom assessments, physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests. SLE may be difficult to diagnose because its early signs and symptoms are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other diseases.

Does lupus shorten life span?

In severe cases, organs damage and failure can occur. Over 90 percent of people with lupus are women between the ages of 15 and 45. Historically, lupus caused people to die young, primarily from kidney failure. Today, with careful treatment, 80 to 90 percent of people with lupus can expect to live a normal lifespan.

What happens if Lupus is left untreated?

If left untreated, it can put you at risk of developing life-threatening problems such as a heart attack or stroke. In many cases, lupus nephritis does not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, this does not mean the condition is not dangerous, as the kidneys could still be being damaged.

Do you gain weight with lupus?

This means that putting on a few pounds is riskier for women with lupus than for women without the disease. And since many people with lupus manage their disease with steroids, which can cause weight gain, they may find it especially hard to stay trim.

How do I know I have lupus?

My symptoms of lupus were joint pain, severe headaches after sun exposure, nosebleeds and rashes. The only symptoms I have are related to skin — butterfly rash, swollen face and lips, open sores, skin sheeting off, bleeding arms etc. Sores were not itchy, but wounds on arms were very painful.

What are the 4 types of lupus?

When people talk about lupus, they may be referring to the most common form—systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, there are actually four kinds. Click or scroll to read more about each of them: SLE, cutaneous lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.

What is the best treatment for lupus?

The medications most commonly used to control lupus include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Antimalarial drugs.
Corticosteroids.
Immunosuppressants.
Biologics.

What should lupus patients avoid?

Heart attack risk is 50 times higher in people with lupus, so patients with lupus should be extra vigilant against foods with known links to heart disease, such as red meat, fried foods, and dairy.

Are bananas good for lupus?

Foods that are high in potassium include bananas, oranges, dairy, cheese, legumes, and chocolate. Additionally, phosphorus in the diet should also be reduced.

Can lupus be managed without medication?

Lupus is a chronic disease with no cure. This means that you can manage it with treatment, but it will not go away. Treatment can help improve your symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent other health problems often caused by lupus.