What are the criteria for the diagnosis of SLE in children?
The criteria are same as in adults (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). A child is considered to have SLE if any ≥4 of the 11 criteria are present (96% sensitivity, 96% specificity). Childhood-onset SLE is generally more severe than adult-onset SLE, with a higher incidence of nephritis, fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy at presentation, and a higher prevalence of malar rash and chorea (associated with antiphospholipid antibodies) over time. Childhood-onset SLE has an increased mortality risk (hazard ratio: 3.1) compared with adult-onset SLE.
