The utility of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin in detecting infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review.

Poor sensitivities and specificities were observed for the evaluated biomarkers with substantial heterogeneity in the cut-offs used to determine infection. Although mean biomarker values were increased in the infection group compared with the non-infection, our findings do not support the widespread use of ESR, CRP, or PCT in diagnosing infection in hospitalized patients with SLE due to increased heterogeneity and risk of bias. Further investigation is needed.