Criteria for diagnosing SLE

Criteria for diagnosing SLE

Mnemonic is NIH ROAD MAPS. The first 4 letters are system involvements and the others are individual specific findings. 4 of the criteria being present in the patient fulfil the patient's diagnosis for SLE.

N Neurologic Depression, Mild psychosis, Stroke
I Immunologic LE cell, Anti DS DNA or Anti Sm , False positive VDRL
H Hematologic Anemia, leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia without offending drugs

R Renal Proteinuria >0.5g/day or >3+ on dipstick, cellular casts
O Oral ulcers Mouth or nose (seen by doctor - not just reported by patient)
A ANA In the absence of drugs that can do this e.g. hydralazine/procainamide
D Discoid rash Scaling and follicular plugging. Can cause permanent alopecia and scarring

M Malar rash Butterfly rash on cheeks
A Arthritis Tenderness, swelling or effusion in 2 or more joints (not just pain)
P Photosensitivity
S Serositis Pleuritis/Pericarditis (rub/effusion/EKG of pericarditis)