Normally these are high in SLE but occasionally may be low and this may lead to infections, as well as the other problems of lupus. Monitoring disease activity of lupus with laboratory tests Regular blood tests are essential to monitor how active the disease is and whether treatment is working. The specialist will therefore need to take regular blood samples to check for side effects. Steroids have had a bad press recently, but still form a very important part of the treatment for lupus. This is an immunosuppressive drug that can damage liver and bone marrow, leading to very low white blood cell counts - regular liver enzymes and full blood counts to look at white blood cells will therefore be necessary, particularly when starting treatment.
Antibodies can become very low in patients on azathiopnine for a long time.
This drug is very toxic to white cells, so regular full blood counts are essential. Antibodies can become very low and need checking from time to time. These are very powerful immunosuppressives which can damage kidneys and liver, so it is important to check kidney and liver function regularly. Blood levels can be measured in the laboratory to help adjust dose safely. Monitoring for the complications of Lupus Kidney disease This can develop very suddenly, so regular checks of kidney function are necessary, including urine tests.