SLE can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can fluctuate and mimic those of other diseases. A doctor will make a diagnosis of SLE based on symptoms, medical history, physical exam and blood test for antinuclear antibodies. The doctor may also order other types of laboratory tests.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has a classification system for helping doctors diagnose, or exclude, SLE. According to the ACR, at least four of the 11 criteria should be present for a diagnosis of...
Read moreIs there an association between rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)? Can someone have both diseases or must he or... Read more »
When I first got sick, I couldn’t fathom taking part in walks for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. At the time, it felt like a gavel coming... Read more »
For those who think that having Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis are mutually exclusive (can't occur together, in this case, in the same... Read more »
Hi, everyone! This is my first post for HealthCentral and I'm excited to be joining this community. My name is Leslie Rott, and I'm 25... Read more »
Have you ever woken up feeling hung over, but you didn't have a single drink? Woken up feeling nauseas, but you aren't pregnant? Ever been... Read more »
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
When To Call A Professional Call your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of lupus, especially if you develop skin symptoms (malar or discoid... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
SLE symptoms may develop slowly over months or years, or they may appear suddenly. Symptoms tend to vary among patients and different symptoms can... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Disseminated lupus erythematosus; SLE; Lupus; Lupus erythematosusSymptomsSymptoms vary from person to person, and may come and go. The condition may... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause complications throughout the body.Complications of the BloodAlmost 85% of patients with SLE experience... Read more »
From the FDA Consumer Magazine, March-April 2005 by Carol Rados Few people with arthritis would be willing to stop taking a medication that works,... Read more »