High C3 and C4 results?

[InSpain]

Does anyone know why I should have very high levels of the above? In over 25 years of living with SLE I have never had high results, usually my results are the exact opposite - virtually too low to register. Thanks in advance. xxx

[EOLHPC]

Hello inspain. Good question. My C3 & C4 are always low too. Will be following your post with interest. Would also be very interested in how your lupus clinic reacts to this. Wishing you all the best🍀🌻

For what it's worth, here is what my Lab Tests Online app says:

Complement protein levels are usually increased, along with other unrelated proteins called acute phase reactants, during acute or chronic inflammation. These all usually return to normal when the underlying condition is resolved. However, complement proteins are rarely measured in these conditions, compared to the widely ordered C-reactive protein (CRP), and the relevance of their measurement in these situations is not reviewed here.

Increased complement activity may also be seen with:

Cancer (leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, sarcoma)

Ulcerative colitis

Thyroiditis

Acute myocardial infarction

Sarcoidosis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

[InSpain in reply to EOLHPC]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. ☺ Interestingly I have just had my thyroid results back and for the 4th time I have been classed as "borderline". When I've spoken to my Doctor I'll let you know what she says. xxx

[EOLHPC in reply to InSpain]

Good luck. Hoping for updates. XO

[InSpain in reply to EOLHPC]

Hi Barnclown! Just a quick update. I've had a varied week of diffefent Doctor's. And various replies to my question regarding the blood tests. The Doctor who treats my SLE/APS told me the higher the result the better it is. My haemotogist and Cardiologist have ordered my lungs to be scanned for a possible PE and my heart for infection (pericarditis). Oh and my Neurologist has ordered a lumbar puncture and an MRI of the brain and spine because high c3 and 4 can be a sign of chronic infection/arthritis. So there you go I'm still no nearer to a satifactory conclusion!!! 😂

[EOLHPC in reply to InSpain]

You've been busy!!!!! Very glad of the update!!!! YIKES: typical multisystem stuff, eh? No nearer conclusions, but setting off on thorough investigations: this'll keep you out of trouble (joke)...please stay in touch (PM me if you feel like it)

XO 🍀🌻 coco