A positive association was estimated between Q-albumin and NfL levels in SLE, however, not statistically significant (B 0.10, 95% CI − 0.005–0.214, p = 0.06), while not in pSS patients (B 0.03, 95% CI − 0.074–0.130, p = 0.59). The gene discussed is NEFL; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.