Is low protein in blood indicative of lupus?

Low protein levels in the blood, also known as hypoproteinemia, can be associated with lupus, but it is not specific to this condition. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and systems, including the kidneys. Kidney involvement in lupus, known as lupus nephritis, can lead to protein loss in the urine, resulting in low protein levels in the blood. However, low protein levels can also occur in other conditions that affect the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease, amyloidosis, or nephrotic syndrome. Additionally, low protein levels can be caused by malnutrition, liver disease, or certain medications. Therefore, a low protein level in the blood by itself is not indicative of lupus, and further diagnostic tests are necessary to determine the underlying cause.