Like arthritis, Lupus also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that involves organs and joints. In both, lupus and arthritis, the immune system of our body goes haywire and starts attacking its own connective tissue and cells. Research shows that there are lot of symptoms which are common to both, lupus and arthritis and this makes it difficult to determine whether a particular symptom is of arthritis or of lupus. However, there are some criteria which can help us in the diagnosis of lupus and arthritis. These criteria were established for lupus in 1982 and for arthritis in 1987. These criteria are given as follows:
For lupus to be diagnosed any four out of the given below ten criteria must be satisfied.
- Nose or mouth ulcers which are often painless.
- Discoid rash.
- Skin rashes because of exposure to sunlight.
- Malar rash across nose and cheeks.
- Hair loss, weight loss, fatigue and fever
- Burning of the lining around lungs and/or heart.
- Seizures.
- Hematologic disorder.
- Renal disorder.
- Immunologic disorder.
For arthritis to be diagnosed, the given below 4 criteria must be satisfied.
- Swelling of soft-tissue of joint groups for 6 or more weeks.
- Subcutaneous nodules should be in particular places.
- Radiological changes signifying erosion of joints.
- Rheumatoid factor should be at a level that exceeds the 95th percentile
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