A 28-year-old female presents with symptoms consistent with SLE. What laboratory finding is important in this case?

The laboratory finding that is particularly important in the case of a 28-year-old female presenting with symptoms consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is proteinuria. SLE is an autoimmune condition that can affect multiple organ systems, including the kidneys, leading to a condition known as lupus nephritis. Proteinuria is a critical indicator of kidney involvement in patients with SLE and may signify active disease or renal impairment.

When evaluating a patient for SLE, clinicians often assess for signs of kidney damage, and proteinuria can provide insight into the severity of the disease. Monitoring protein levels in urine is essential to detect renal complications, which can occur in a significant proportion of patients with SLE. Early identification of proteinuria can lead to timely interventions to prevent further renal deterioration.

Other findings like high blood pressure or abnormal serum glucose levels can be pertinent in certain clinical situations, but they are not specific indicators for SLE or its renal effects. Hence, the presence of proteinuria is a key laboratory finding in this context.