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

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

Manson and Rahman Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 2006 1:6   doi:10.1186/1750-1172-1-6