Abstract
The relevance of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is due to its chronic nature, variety of clinical manifestations and potential severity of organ damage. Epidemiological data indicate an increase in incidence, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and effective monitoring of patient conditions. The aim of this review article is to provide an idea of the assessment indices and their place in assessing the severity of SLE. Indices assessing the severity and activity of SLE, such as SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) and SLICC/ACR Damage Index, BILAG (British Isles Lupus Assessment Group), SLAM (Systemic Lupus Activity Measure) and others, play a key role in assessing the condition of patients. They take into account various aspects of the disease, including inflammation, organ damage and overall disease activity. These tools allow standardization of patient assessment and monitoring of treatment effectiveness. For primary care physicians, scoring indices are a valuable tool for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring patients with suspected SLE. They help establish a diagnosis, assess the degree of disease activity and make a decision about referral to a rheumatologist. Thus, the use of indices significantly improves the management of patients with SLE, improving the quality of care and reducing the risk of complications. This article provides an overview of the main assessment tools, taking into account their applicability in the primary health care setting.