Date: December 2015
Definition:
A definite diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus by a Consultant Rheumatologist where either of the following are present:
- Severe kidney involvement with systemic lupus erythematosus as evidenced by:
- permanent impaired renal function with a glomerular filtration rate below 30/ml/min/1.73m², and
- abnormal urinalysis showing proteinuria or haematuria.
In addition to the above criteria, the disease must have been unresponsive to disease modifying drugs for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
or
- Severe central nervous system involvement with systemic lupus erythematosus as evidenced by permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms.
For the purposes of this definition seizures, headaches, fatigue, lethargy or any symptoms of psychological or psychiatric origin will not be accepted as evidence of permanent deficit of the neurological system.
No change since May 2012