On this Mnemonic Monday, we challenge you to remember the criteria needed to diagnose Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) with the following mnemonic:
MD SOAP N HAIR
Malar erythema
Discoid LE
Serositis (carditis or pleurisy)
Oral ulcers
Arthritis, nonerosive
Photosensitivity
Neurologic (seizure or psychosis)
Hematologic disorder
ANA
Immunologic disorder
Renal
This mnemonic refers to the criteria used in the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Note that 4 of 11 criteria are required to make the diagnosis.
Click HERE to print your mnemonic card.
Study More!
Need a refresher on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) concepts? Check out the following pages of your 2019 Derm In-Review Study Guide:
Lupus Erythematosus, 48, 55, 56, 58, 67, 68, 106, 121, 122, 126, 129, 130, 133, 149, 150, 413, 415, 419, 421, 425
Don’t have a copy? Sign up for Derm In-Review and download the digital version here.
Further Reading
Over the past 7 years, two new sets of classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus have been proposed – the SLICC criteria in 2012 and the ACR/EULAR in 2018. In contrast to the 1982 ARA criteria, both of these require awareness of the spectrum of acute cutaneous lupus and the clinical characteristics of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. 
Check out this comprehensive summary of Dr. Jean Bolognia lecture on The Many Faces of Lupus, presented at the 16th Annual ODAC Dermatology, Aesthetic and Surgical Conference
Test your knowledge!
The presence of which of the following autoantibodies is diagnostic of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and not reported in patients with other connective tissue diseases?
A. anti-U1RNP
B. anti-dsDNA
C. anti-Ro
D. anti-La
E. anti-Sm
To find out the correct answer and read the explanation, click here.
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