Incomplete systemic lupus erythematosus. Own observation and literature review

Abstract

The term of “incomplete” systemic lupus erythematosus (iSLE) is used when patients have typical clinical and immunological signs of lupus without fulfilling the classification criteria for SLE. Autoantibodies appear in patients years before diagnosis, and the most common clinical manifestations are nonspecific and may be the only symptom of the disease for some time. Progression to definite SLE occurs in 5–57% of patients with iSLE within 1–10 years. There are currently no recommendations for monitoring and treatment of iSLE patients. This article presents the results of our own research and literature analysis on clinical and pathogenetic problems of iSLE.