Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): Diagnosis



It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the United States have lupus. Ninety percent of them are women. Most cases of lupus are diagnosed in women between the ages of 12 and 40. Non-Caucasians are 2 to 3 times more likely to have lupus than Caucasians.

To receive a diagnosis of lupus, four or more of its possible symptoms must occur.

The diagnosis of another type of lupus, discoid lupus, can be made when a person only has a patchy, round rash, and no other symptoms. Blood tests and a skin biopsy are helpful in making this diagnosis. People with discoid lupus may or may not progress to systemic lupus erythematosus.

 

This information has been approved by JoAnn Gillis, MD (April 2008).

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Rheumatology Program

Many new therapies for inflammatory rheumatologic diseases have been made available, and we are focused on finding the best therapeutic program for every patient. 

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