Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that can manifest with a variety of symptoms and impact multiple organ systems. The correct response highlights that acute onset with a nonprogressive course is not characteristic of this condition.

SLE typically has a chronic pattern; many patients experience a waxing and waning course with periods of flares followed by remissions. It does not usually present with an abrupt onset that remains stable over time; instead, it can evolve and change over the course of the disease, often leading to increased severity or new symptoms.

In contrast, the other characteristics listed are well-known aspects of SLE. Inflammation can affect multiple organs such as the joints, skin, kidneys, and heart, indicating the systemic nature of the disease. The chronic nature of SLE aligns with its status as a lifelong autoimmune disorder, requiring ongoing management and care. Additionally, the lack of a specific diagnostic blood test reflects the complexity and heterogeneity of SLE, as diagnosis is typically made based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and patient history, rather than a singular test. Thus, the choice correctly identifies a feature that does not align with the known profile of systemic lupus erythematosus