Diagnosis and management of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not a rare disease. There are several common clinical signs which should alert the physician to a possible diagnosis of SLE and which should condition him to look for specific clinical and laboratory findings. In addition to simple screening tests, useful procedures include a search for antinuclear antibodies, lupus erythematosus (LE) cells, anti-DNA antibodies and low serum complement. Management is determined by the type of course encountered but most patients will do well under the care of their family physician.