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What criteria is needed before a diagnosis of lupus can be made?
GaleEncyofNeuroDis
The criteria include discoid or macular rash (often in a classic facial butterfly pattern across the nose and cheeks), photosensitivity, ulcers in the mouth, kidney dysfunction
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
To make a diagnosis of lupus, doctors typically look for a combination of symptoms, physical examination findings, and laboratory test results. The American College of Rheumatology has established criteria for diagnosing lupus, including the presence of specific symptoms like rash, joint pain, and abnormal blood tests such as antinuclear antibodies. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional familiar with lupus is essential to confirm the diagnosis.
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How does lupus occur?
In the United States lupus affects about 1.5 million people. Worldwide it is estimated that at least 5 million people have lupus. These are estimates. Doctors do not report each diagnosis of lupus that they make. No government agency requires that a diagnosis of lupus be reported. Lupus statistics are gleand from hospital discharge diagnoses. If a person is diagnosed with lupus but had not been hospitalized, their diagnosis will not appear in the statistics. If a person is hospitalized for a complicaton of lupus, the discharge statement may not even mention lupus.
Can lupus be misdiagnosed as leukemia?
It is possible that leukemia may be misdiagnosed as lupus, however lupus can cause bone marrow changes that may mimic some of the symptoms and signs of leukemia. For appropriate diagnosis of lupus, see a rheumatologist. For appropriate diagnosis of blood disease, see a hematologist.
What are the special concerns of lupus patients?
Psychological counseling may be helpful, given that a diagnosis of lupus is life altering, and stress and frustration can enhance symptoms while searching for a diagnosis
How is lupus diagnosed?
To have lupus a patient must have four out of eleven abnormalities from a list established by the American Rheumatism Association. These abnormalities are:1. Malar rash2. Discoid rash3. Photosensitivity4. Mucosal ulcers5. Serositis6. Arthritis7. Renal disorders8. Neurological disorder9. Haematological disorder10. Immunologic disorder11. Anti-Nuclear Antibody The American College of Rheumatology established these 11 criteria as a means of determining whether or not a patient qualifies to enter lupus clinical trials. In the process of diagnosing lupus, these are helpful but not absolute, some criteria carrying more weight than others. For example, a kidney biopsy that confirms lupus nephritis determines a diagnosis of lupus whether or not any of the other 11 criteria are present. A skin biopsy that confirms cutaneous lupus is all that is needed to make that diagnosis as well. Lupus is diagnosed based on these steps and information: # Medical history # Symptoms # Wide variety of lab tests # After other disorders have been ruled out It should be noted that 10 million Americans have a positive Antinuclear antibody titer (ANA) but only 1.5 million have lupus. Of that 1.5 million with lupus, 5% will have a negative ANA titer. This, according to Daniel Wallace, MD in The Lupus Book.
Can lupus be dedtect pre-natally?
There is no definitive laboratory test for lupus. A diagnosis of lupus is based on: 1. Medical history 2. Symptoms 3. A variety of tests 4. Process of elimination Since these things cannot be done on a fetus, the answer is no, lupus cannot be detected prenatally.
How do you know if you may have lupus if your ana was negative?
There is no definitive test for lupus. 3%-5% of people with lupus will have a negative ANA, especially if they are taking a medication like prednisone that suppresses the immune system. A diagnosis of lupus is based on history, symptoms, a variety of tests and process of elmination. Rheumatologists are the specialists who have the advance training to make this often tricky diagnosis. Google the American College of Rheumatology to find one.
Does lupus result in death?
Most cases of lupus are mild to moderate. If the patient follows the treatment plan, a normal life expectancy can be attained. Fewer cases are life threatening and some are fatal. Strides in diagnosis and treatment over the last 40 years have changed a diagnosis of lupus from a death sentence to a life sentence. Lupus patients are more susceptible to infection and cardiovascular events than the general population.
What is the cost of lupus test?
There is not just one test for Lupus. The Dx involves lab work, pt. history, and exam. Some of the tests are expensive and must unfortunately be repeated. Your best resource for tests and explanations of Lupus is the Lupus Foundation website. www.lupus.org
Who is a systemic lupus specialist is the US?
Rheumatologists are the specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of lupus. You can find a geographical listing of rheumatologists in the United States on the American College of Rheumatology website.
How do you know when you have lupus?
Lupus is difficult to diagnose, even for an experienced doctor. There are no definitive lab tests. A diagnosis of lupus is made based on medical history, symptoms, a wide variety of lab tests and after ruling other things out. For many patients this take years.
Medical code number for systemic lupus erythematosus?
ICD-9-CM diagnosis code is 710.0
Can you test negative for lupus but still have it?
There is no definitive test for lupus. It is possible that some standard tests may come back negative, but the patient does indeed have lupus. A diagnosis of lupus is based on history, symptoms, and a variety of lab and imaging tests. A rheumatologist is the type of doctor who has the specialized training to make the diagnosis.
