Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Classification and Diagnosis

Martin Aringer; Sindhu R Johnson

doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2021.04.011

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Classification and Diagnosis

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2021 Aug;47(3):501-511. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2021.04.011. Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Authors

Martin Aringer¹, Sindhu R Johnson²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, Dresden 01037, Germany. Electronic address: martin.aringer@uniklinikum-dresden.de.
² Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Ground Floor, East Wing, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T2S8, Canada.

PMID: 34215376
DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2021.04.011

Abstract

Since the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology 2019 classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were published, they were externally validated by groups worldwide. In particular, the new criteria worked well also in East Asian and pediatric cohorts. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) as an entry criterion were critically discussed, but the group of ANA-negative patients is small (<5%) worldwide. Specificity of the criteria is dependent on correct attribution only of those criteria that are not better explained by other causes. Although the classification criteria should not be used for diagnosis, many novel aspects inform diagnostic considerations.

Keywords: Antinuclear antibodies; Classification criteria; Cutaneous lupus erythematosus; Neuropsychiatric SLE; Sensitivity; Specificity; Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Antibodies, Antinuclear
Child
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / diagnosis
Rheumatic Diseases*
Rheumatology*

Substances

Antibodies, Antinuclear