Which laboratory finding is commonly associated with patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus?

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), one of the hallmark laboratory findings is the presence of high titers of anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies. These antibodies are specifically associated with the disease and are often correlated with disease activity and severity. The presence of high levels of anti-dsDNA is used diagnostically to help confirm SLE in patients presenting with symptoms consistent with the condition.

This finding reflects the underlying autoimmune nature of SLE, where the body's immune system mistakenly targets its own DNA. High titers of anti-dsDNA antibodies are indicative of the active disease and can also help monitor disease flare-ups or response to treatment.

The other options do not reflect the typical laboratory findings associated with SLE accurately. For example, low titers of DNA would not be characteristic of the disease, nor would a normal level of C-reactive protein, as elevated levels are usually observed in inflammatory responses. A negative antinuclear antibody test is also not typical for patients with SLE, since the majority of SLE patients demonstrate positive ANA. Thus, high titers of DNA antibodies (specifically anti-dsDNA) are a key finding in patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus.