The association also remained after adjusting for acute phase reaction (CRP) and SLE disease activity (SLEDAI scores) (r = 0.50, p < 0.01, beta = 1.33 95% CI 0.49–2.17, and r = 0.40, p < 0.01, beta = 1.04 95% CI 0.32–1.76, respectively, Fig. 4). Here, CRP is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus.