Modification of a screening technique to evaluate systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese population in Taiwan

Several recent reports have suggested that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be more common in Chinese than in other populations. We have revised a validated questionnaire devised by Liang, et al, for use in Chinese and surveyed 1,836 people in a community survey and 2,000 students at a girls college in Taipei, Taiwan. This constitutes the largest population yet surveyed with this technique. Only 1 case of probable SLE was identified. Since many apparent normals gave the 3 positive responses suggested to require ANA screening, continued effort should be directed toward increasing survey specificity before the massive population surveys needed to calculate accurate prevalence.