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Table 1 Diagnostic criteria of SLE. Adapted from Tan et al, 1982 [1]. A person is said to have SLE if he/she meets any 4 of these 11 criteria simultaneously or in succession

From: Systemic lupus erythematosus

Criterion

Definition/examples

1. Malar rash

Fixed erythema over the malar eminences, tending to spare the nasolabial folds

2. Discoid rash

Erythematosus raised patches, may scar

3. Photosensitivity

Skin rash as a result of unusual reaction to sunlight

4. Oral ulcers

Usually painless

5. Arthritis

Non-erosive: Jaccoud's arthropathy

6. Serositis

a) Pleuritis – pleuritic pain, pleural rub, pleural effusion b) Pericarditis – ECG changes, rub, pericardial effusion

7. Renal disorder

a) Proteinuria (> 3+ or 0.5 g/day) b) Cellular casts in urine

8. Neurological disorder

a) Seizures b) Psychosis

9. Haematological disorder

a) Haemolytic anaemia b) Leukopaenia c) Lymphopaenia d) Thrombocytopaenia

10. Immunological disorder

a) Anti-DNA antibodies b) Anti-Sm antibodies c) Anti-phospholipid antibodies

11. Anti-nuclear antibody

Exclude drug causes