title: Development and assessment of a computerized index of clinical disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Members of the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG).
abstract: Five centres in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland have collaborated to produce a computerized index of clinical disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus, based on the principle of the physician's intention to treat. The index assesses separately eight organ-based systems. The index has proved quick and easy to use despite a comprehensive database and compares favourably with two other indices of disease activity. It has great potential for use in multicentre studies of disease outcome and new therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, University of Birmingham, Medical School.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Symmons
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Coppock
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bacon
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bresnihan
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Isenberg
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Maddison
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McHugh
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Snaith
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Zoma
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008492:Medical Informatics Computing