EVALUATION OF HEPATIC AND RENAL FUNCTION ALTERATIONS ALONGSIDE HEMATOLOGICAL INDICES IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Systemic lupus erythematosus Hematological indices Hepatic function Renal function Inflammatory markers

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September 21, 2026

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Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems plus autoantibody production and chronic inflammation. This study objective is to monitor changes in hepatic and renal function tests, hematologic alterations, and serum levels of autoimmune and inflammatory markers among Iraqi SLE patients. Method: A case-control study performed from November 2025 to April 2026 at Al-Karama Hospital and Al-Zahraa Hospital, Wasit Governorate, Iraq. Ninety subjects were included, 45 patients with SLE and 45 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Hematological parameters (WBC, Hb, PLT) were evaluated as well hepatic markers (ALT, AST), renal markers (blood urea, serum creatinine), autoimmune markers (ANA, anti-dsDNA) and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR). All statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 26. Results: Patients with SLE had significantly lower median hemoglobin (10.25 vs. 13.00 g/dL, P < 0.001) and platelet counts (240.00 vs. 288.00 × 10⁹/L, P = 0.001) than controls, while WBC counts showed no significant difference (P = 0.119). ALT, AST, blood urea, and serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in SLE patients compared with controls (P < 0.001 for all). Autoimmune (ANA, anti-dsDNA) and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) were also significantly elevated in patients (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed across age subgroups within the patient group. Novelty: SLE is associated with significant hematological alterations (anemia and reduced platelets), as well as marked hepatic and renal function impairments, alongside elevated autoimmune and inflammatory activity. Simultaneous monitoring of these markers provides essential clinical information for evaluating organ involvement and disease progression.