Current possibilities for early diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
The review presents the data available in the literature on the use of the lupus band test (LBT) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). LBT is a direct immunofluorescence method used to detect immunoglobulins and complement factors in the dermoepidermal junction of skin biopsy specimens. LBT may be applied as one of the diagnostic tests for early diagnosis of SLE in patients without skin manifestations and in those of incomplete SLE. Like the results of other laboratory tests, those of LBT may be taken into account when establishing a final diagnosis only in conjunction with other clinical, immunological and instrumental data.