Performance of the new SLICC classification criteria in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus, in two observation periods: a Brazilian study

Introduction The most widely used classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) are those derived and validated in adult patients, by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). However, some of their limitations raise concerns, such as: inclusion of the most typical features only, possible duplication of highly correlated cutaneous manifestations, omission of many neurologic manifestations, inadequate quantification of urine protein by dipstick, lack of standardization for autoantibodies detection and, classification as SLE for patients that do not satisfy the immunologic disorder criterion. Alternative methods for SLE classification have been developed, such as the SLICC (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics) criteria.