Lupus erythematosus

Lupus erythematosus (also known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies are created against the patient's own DNA. It is named for the Latin lupus, meaning "wolf," due to the butterfly-shaped rash that the disease classically creates on the cheek which medieval people believed to resemble a wolf bite.

Diagnosis

Some physicians make a diagnosis on the basis of the ACR classification criteria (see below). The criteria, however, were established mainly for use in scientific research (i.e. inclusion in randomised controlled trials), and patients may have lupus despite never meeting the criteria.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Antinuclear antibody testing and anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) form the mainstay of serologic testing for lupus. Antiphospholipid antibodies occur more often in SLE, and can predispose for thrombosis. More specific is the anti-smith antibody. Other tests routinely performed in suspected SLE are complement system levels (low levels suggest consumption by the immune system), electrolytes and renal function (disturbed if the kidney is involved), liver enzymes and a full blood count.

Related Topics:
Antinuclear antibody - Antiphospholipid antibodies - Thrombosis - Complement system - Electrolyte - Renal function - Liver enzyme - Full blood count

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~