Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Diagnosis and Monitoring: Eliksir Center ✓

A specialist rheumatology examination is intended for patients with suspected or confirmed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems, including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, blood vessels, and central nervous system.

The examination is indicated for individuals experiencing symptoms such as persistent fatigue, joint pain and swelling, characteristic facial rash, hair loss, photosensitivity, recurrent fevers, or positive immunological test results.

The goal of the examination is to establish or confirm the diagnosis, assess disease activity, and develop an individualized treatment and monitoring plan.

The examination begins with a detailed medical history, including personal symptoms, duration of complaints, family history of autoimmune diseases, and previous treatments.

This is followed by a systematic clinical examination, which includes:

• joint assessment (pain, swelling, deformities),
• evaluation of skin and mucous membranes (rash, ulcerations),
• auscultation of the heart and lungs,
• assessment of lymph nodes,
• basic neurological evaluation.

The physician reviews existing laboratory results (ANA, anti-dsDNA, ENA panel, complement C3/C4, CRP, ESR, urinalysis, complete blood count) and, if necessary, recommends additional diagnostics (extended immunological tests, joint ultrasound, or consultations with other specialists).

Based on the overall clinical picture, disease activity is assessed (flare vs. remission) and a treatment plan is defined – which may include antimalarials, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologic therapy if indicated.

45–60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the clinical presentation and the extent of previous medical documentation.

In complex cases with extensive medical records, the examination may take longer.