C3 and C4 levels would be expected to be raised in systemic inflammatory response, usually up to twice their resting levels. In this setting a normal or low level may reflect utilisation, such as in an overwhelming infection. C4 levels will be decreased if utilisation by the classical pathway (e.g. in immune complex disease such as SLE and vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis) exceeds production. C4 levels are low in patients with C1 inhibitor deficiency, and may be absent during an attack - normal levels effectively exclude the diagnosis. Low C3 reflects activation of either the classical or alternate pathways. Low C3 with a normal C4 occurs with isolated alternative pathway activation (e.g. type II mesangiocapillary GN, due to production of an autoantibody (C3 nephritic factor) that activates this pathway directly).
Protein Lab
COMP
C3
C4
Complement Components -C3 and C4
4 days
6836