A comparison of the sensitivity of the 1971 and 1982 American Rheumatism Association criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus.

The sensitivity of the American Rheumatism Association's preliminary and revised criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was tested in 156 of our SLE patients. Eighty-eight percent met the 1971 preliminary criteria. Eighty-three percent fulfilled the 1982 revised criteria when arthritis was strictly defined (nonerosive arthritis) and 91% when arthritis was more liberally defined (nondeforming arthritis). Analysis revealed that of the 3 serologic tests added in the revised criteria (antinuclear antibody, anti-Sm, anti-DNA), the antinuclear antibody test accounted for the increased sensitivity of the revised criteria.