Understanding the ACR Lupus Criteria
Author: tiger Published Under: Health
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder, in which the bodies own immune system begins to attack healthy cells and tissue. Lupus can be extremely difficult to diagnose, as many of the symptoms of lupus are common in other disorders as well. Since there is no definitive test for lupus, most doctors instead test for known diseases, working by the process of elimination to arrive at a lupus diagnosis.
Currently a criteria put forth by the American College of Rheumatology is used to help identify common symptoms of lupus and help doctors arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
The 1982 criteria can be viewed at their site and a downloadable pdf is available here.
The ACR Criteria Includes:
- Butterfly Rash: This is a red colored rash, which begins on the bridge of the nose and subsequently spreads onto the cheeks, creating a wing-like shape. This was actually the first symptom of lupus that was observed when the disease was identified in the 1840's and is very common.
- Discoid Lesions: Discoid Lesions are a type of raised-rash that is red in color and can develop all over the body. However, it is not as common and is usually only found in about 1 out of 10 lupus patients.
- Photosensitivity: Photosensitivity is a reaction to light and in about 33% of those with lupus, the skin will become very sensitive to light.
- Ulcerative Sores: These are sores that generally form in the mouth and throat, as well as occasionally in the vagina. These are often discovered by dentists, as they are not painful to the patient. Ulcerative Sores usually only develop in about 12% of lupus patients.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a term used to describe more than 100 joint related diseases, typically causing joint inflammation and joint swelling. The majority of those with lupus will have some arthritic symptoms, such as morning pain or stiffness of joints.
- Chest and Cardiovascular Problems: Between 25 and 50 percent of those with lupus report heart pain or discomfort.
- Renal Failure and Kidney Problems: Approximately half of those with lupus report some type of kidney problem.
- Neurological Problems: Neurological problems are common in those with lupus, with about 3 out of 20 people with lupus reporting problems like strokes and seizures.
- Abnormal Blood Tests: Since lupus affects the way the immune system works, it is common for abnormalities to show up in blood reports. This includes things like anemia and leukemia, which is a abnormal white blood cell count, as well as odd bruising.
- Immune Deficiencies: There are often some noticeable discrepancies in blood work that suggest an immunologic disorder, such as false positives for syphilis, abnormal levels of anticardiolipin antibodies, elevated levels of anti-SM, and higher levels of anti-dna.
- Elevated Antinuclear Antibodies Levels: Elevated levels of Antinuclear Antibodies are also common in those with Lupus, with studies showing between 90 and 100 percent of patients having higher than average levels.