Rheumatology mnemonic

Classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (ACR 1997)

The mnemonic

SOAP BRAIN MD

What each word stands for

  • SSerositis
  • OOral ulcers
  • AArthritis
  • PPhotosensitivity
  • BBlood disorders
  • RRenal disease
  • AAntinuclear antibody
  • IImmunological abnormalities (anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith)
  • NNeurological disorder (seizures, psychosis)
  • MMalar rash
  • DDiscoid rash

Why it matters clinically

Four or more of the eleven criteria classify a patient as having SLE.

Where it stops being reliable

Newer EULAR/ACR 2019 criteria require ANA positivity and use weighted scoring.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Rheumatology mnemonic?

SOAP BRAIN MD. It helps you recall: Classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (ACR 1997).

What does "S" stand for?

Serositis

What does "O" stand for?

Oral ulcers

What does "A" stand for?

Antinuclear antibody

What are all the parts of the SOAP BRAIN MD mnemonic?

S: Serositis; O: Oral ulcers; A: Arthritis; P: Photosensitivity; B: Blood disorders; R: Renal disease; A: Antinuclear antibody; I: Immunological abnormalities (anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith); N: Neurological disorder (seizures, psychosis); M: Malar rash; D: Discoid rash.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Rheumatology in General Medicine.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Newer EULAR/ACR 2019 criteria require ANA positivity and use weighted scoring.

How is this useful clinically?

Four or more of the eleven criteria classify a patient as having SLE.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Medicine question about Rheumatology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.