A mnemonic for SLE diagnostic criteria

Abstract

A RASH POINts MD.Arthritis Renal disease (proteinuria, cellular casts) ANA (positive antinuclear antibody) Serositis (pleurisy or pericarditis) H aematological disorders (haemolytic anaemia or leucopenia or lymphopenia or thrombocytopenia) Photosensitivity Oral ulcers I mmunological disorder (positive LE cell, anti-DNA, anti-Sm, false positive serological test for syphilis) N eurological disorders (seizures or psychosis, in the absence of other causes) Malar rash Discoid rash Because the malar rash is the most easily recalled finding, this mnemonic uses that word and an accompanying message that it "points an MD to a possible diagnosis."