Diagnosing SLE

Diagnosing SLE in Denise took 2 years.
Unfortunately for Denise and her healthcare providers, their story is not unusual.
An SLE diagnosis can be challenging. At times, diagnosing a patient can be time-consuming, requiring a high level of communication between the patient and the physician. Both parties must be thoroughly engaged in the process to ensure the best possible outcome in the short term and over time.4
*SELENA-SLEDAI = Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus: National Assessment Version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index.
†Data from the 2011 National Burden of Lupus survey was funded and developed by GSK. This survey included 957 people in the lupus community — 502 people who reported being diagnosed with SLE, 204 supporters (family members or friends) of people with lupus and 251 rheumatologists.
References:
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- Lupus: A Survey Among SLE Patients, Physicians, and Supporters. New York, NY: GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications; October 2011.