U.C.L.A. Rheumatology Pathophysiology of Disease Course Lecture,
Second Year Medical School 1997

  
 
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Frequently Asked Questions     Page 77
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#7. What is the most distinguishing feature of Systemic lupus erythematosus?

At least 95% of patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus possess anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). This test has a high sensitivity. However, because the test can also be positive for subjects without Systemic lupus erythematosus, it is not highly specific.

  
 
 
Figure 8. Association of specific autoantibodies in lupus, comparing frequency of occurence in SLE vs their specificity (higher the number the more specific). *The frequency depends upon the sensitivity of the test used to detect the antibodies. +11 is highly specific whereas 1 is present in other inflammatory diseases.
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