In an article by The Rheumatologist, Jane E. Salmon, MD, rheumatologist at HSS, addressed historical case studies by dermatologist Moriz Kaposi, MD, on systemic lupus erythematosus.

"Earlier physicians had done wonderful work and wrote eloquent descriptions distinguishing lupus erythematosus from tuberculosis and other entities. But it was Dr. Kaposi who identified lupus as a disease of young women that was systemic and life-threatening. For this reason, I think this paper is really interesting," said Dr. Salmon.

According to Dr. Salmon, Dr. Kaposi established an early version of classification criteria for lupus. "Now, we use validated classification criteria to help us have consistent definitions of patients for clinical trials. We are beginning to look at subsets of responders to specific therapies, using tools beyond the physical examination, clinical laboratory tests and the microscope, to approach treatment from the perspective of disease mechanism," she said.

Read the full article at the-rheumatologist.org.