Comparison of three indices for the evaluation of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Assessing disease activity in SLE is often difficult due to the multiple organ systems involved. Three recent disease activity indices (SLAM, BILAG, and SLEDAI) are being increasingly used. Retrospective investigations comparing these indices have not been performed. We compared SLAM, BILAG, and SLEDAI in a retrospective study of 52 patients with SLE. SLAM and BILAG were found to correlate well with one another and with clinicians' evaluations of disease activity (as measured by intensity of immunosuppressive treatment). They correlated less well or insignificantly with laboratory parameters (ESR, anti-ds-DNA-antibodies). If practicability is also considered, SLAM, in particular, appears to be suitable for retrospective evaluation of disease activity in SLE.