Medical Laboratory Scientist ASCP Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is indeed associated with hereditary deficiencies in early complement components such as C1, C4, and C2. These complement components play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in the clearance of immune complexes and apoptotic cells. When there is a deficiency in these components, individuals may have a predisposition to developing autoimmune disorders, with SLE being one of the most prominent conditions linked to such deficiencies.

In SLE, the absence or reduced function of these early complement components leads to inadequate clearance of immune complexes, which can trigger an inappropriate immune response, resulting in tissue damage and the clinical manifestations of lupus. This association highlights the importance of the complement system in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity.

The other options represent different autoimmune conditions, but they do not have a well-established link to hereditary deficiencies in the early complement components as SLE does. For example, while rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome also have autoimmune mechanisms, their pathophysiology does not primarily involve these early complement deficiencies in the same way that SLE does. Dermatomyositis, while also an autoimmune disease, is characterized more by muscle involvement and skin manifestations, without a direct link to complement