Disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus in relation to direct Coombs test positivity without haemolytic anaemia: a single-centre cross-sectional study.

In individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus, Direct Coombs test positivity without autoimmune haemolytic anaemia was common and was associated with higher contemporaneous disease activity, arthritis, and elevated anti-double-stranded DNA antibody levels.

These findings suggest that Direct Coombs test positivity may reflect increased immune activity at a single point in time.

However, its utility in predicting future flares or monitoring longitudinal disease activity remains uncertain and requires prospective validation.