Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease distributed worldwide, which occurs in both genders, and across racial/ethnic and age groups; however, higher rates are observed in adults, in women and in non-Caucasians. Genetic, environmental, sociodemographic and methodological issues are responsible not only for these differences but for the variable course and outcome of the disease. Non-Caucasians have a more severe disease with a higher risk for early mortality and damage accrual. Males also have a more severe disease; however, a negative impact of male gender on lupus outcomes has not been firmly established. Childhood-onset is associated with a more severe disease; moreover, it is also associated with higher damage and diminished survival; finally, late-onset lupus is mild but it is associated with higher damage accrual and a diminished survival. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the incidence and prevalence of SLE, the impact of age, gender and race/ethnicity in SLE and in the survival of those affected. Expert commentary: Age, gender and race/ethnicity impact disease expression in SLE patients; despite improvements in survival, mortality in SLE remains almost three times higher than in the general population.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Consumption Impedes Early Interferon- and Chemokine-Related Gene Expression While Suppressing Silica-Triggered Flaring of Murine Lupus

“…Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating multisystem autoimmune disease that primarily affects women of childbearing age and non-Caucasians (1,2). SLE is initiated following breakdown of immune tolerance resulting from incompletely understood interactions between an individual's susceptibility genes and the environment.…”

The incidence of immunofluorescence patterns and specific autoantibodies observed in autoimmune patients in a tertiary care centre

“…Studies have suggested a controversial functional role of environmental factors, drugs, chemicals and toxins in triggering ADs (2). The geo-epidemiology of ADs has grabbed attention recently (3)(4)(5). Studies have identified considerable variability in the epidemiology of different ADs, ranging from common, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis with a reported prevalence of approximately 1%, to others that are so rare that the only clues to their prevalence are a small number of case reports and small studies (6)(7)(8)(9)(10).…”

Particularities of the Evolution and Therapeutic Response in Men with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis

“…Systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare occurrence in male patients; studies cite a 2:1 ratio during the pre-childbearing age, up to 9:1 between men and women , with a (6,7) maximum ratio of 15:1 in some studies ; in (8) our cohort there was a ratio of 6.5:1 between male and female patients, perhaps also because male patients may be more reluctant to accept a renal biopsy, or because they may delayed check-up visits in comparison with female patients.…”