Diagnostics
H&P
Antibodies (anti-DNA, anti-Smith (found in 30%-40% of ppl with SLE, almost always considered a diagnostic), Antinuclear Antibody, antineuronal, anticoagulant, anti-WBC (leukopenia), anti-red blood cell (anemia), Antiplatelet (thrombocytopenia), antiphospholipid, anti-basement membrane, Anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (found in 50% of ppl with SLE))
LE cell prep test - nonspecific; can be positive for other rheumatic diseases
ESR and CRP - may be used to monitor disease activity and effectiveness of therapy
Serum complement levels - decreased; look at the integrity of the entire classical complement pathway.
U/A - elevated Creatinine, hematuria, casts.
X-ray of joints - arthritis
Chest x-ray - pericarditis, pleural effusion
ECG - determine extraarticular involvement
Diagnostic Criteria for SLE
Malar rash (butterfly rash)
Discoid rash - flat lesions that get bigger and expand outward creating a red ring-shaped lesion with a slight scale on the edges.
Photosensitivity
Oral Ulcers
Arthritis
Serositis - pleuritis or pericarditis
Renal Disorder
Neurologic Disorder
Hematologic Disorder
Immunologic Disorder
Antinuclear antibody
If 4 or more of the criteria are present serially or simultaneously, during any interval of observation, the person is classified as having SLE.