Table 1

Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria

Four out of the 11 features are required:
  • Malar rash

  • Discoid rash

  • Photosensitivity (see figure 1)

  • Oral ulcers

  • Arthritis

  • Serositis (pleurisy or pericarditis)

  • Renal disorder (proteinuria >0.5 g/24 h or cellular casts)

  • Neurological disorder

  • Haematological disorder (haemolytic anaemia, leucopenia or lymphopenia on two or more occasions, or thrombocytopenia)

  • Immunological disorder

  • Antinuclear antibody