Systemic Lupus Erythematosus & Biopsy-Proven Myositis | Clinical & Lab Features

 

Requirements:

(1) evidence of SLE

(2) biopsy-proven myositis

(3) exclusion patients with muscle symptoms due to drug therapy (steroids, etc).

 

Clinical findings that are more common in these patients:

(1) alopecia

(2) oral ulcers

(3) erosive joint disease

(4) Sjogren's disease

(5) restrictive lung disease with interstitial fibrosis

 

Renal disease tends to be less common.

 

Laboratory findings:

(1) presence of anti-RNP in serum

 

The prognosis for these patients tends to be poor. Early recognition and more aggressive management may improve outcome.