Recent Advances in the Diagnostic Approach to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Autoantibodies, Biomarkers, and Ethnic Variability
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystemic autoimmune disease with variable clinical evolution, associated with high morbidity and mortality. The broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and the absence of pathognomonic markers make diagnosis challenging, requiring a careful approach and the use of sensitive and specific laboratory methods. This study aimed to critically analyze the methodologies used for autoantibody detection and their influence on the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of SLE, as well as to evaluate the impact of ethnic and racial factors on the clinical behavior of the disease. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases, encompassing articles published between 2020 and 2025, organized according to the PRISMA flow diagram. The review included studies addressing epidemiological, clinical, serological, and laboratory aspects related to the main autoantibodies of SLE, along with their correlation with clinical manifestations and prognosis. The results indicate that a deeper understanding of autoantibodies and the appropriate selection of diagnostic methods significantly enhance diagnostic precision, reduce mortality, and improve patients’ quality of life. However, the challenge remains to identify markers with both high sensitivity and specificity, reinforcing the need for standardization of immunological methods and the continuation of research. It is concluded that recent scientific advances have improved the diagnosis and clinical management of SLE, yet further studies integrating ethnic and immunological variations are needed to achieve earlier and more effective diagnoses.
Keywords: diagnosis; antibodies; autoantibodies; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
