Real-world incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rather uncommon than rare. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of SLE in the population of Alberta, Canada, using administrative health data. Multiple population-based data sources, including the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Central Stakeholder Registry (AHCIP CSR), Fee-For-Service, and Hospital Discharge Abstract Database were used. Age- and sex-specific incidence and prevalence rates, and 95% confidence intervals (CI), were computed using the AHCIP CSR mid-year population estimates as the denominator, for the period of 2000–2015. The overall incidence of SLE for all age groups was 4.43 (95% CI 3.65, 5.04) per 100,000 population. The overall incidence in male and female of all age groups was 1.26 (95% CI 0.72, 1.76) and 7.69 (95% CI 6.22, 8.81) per 100,000 population, respectively. A prevalence of 47.99 per 100,000 (male = 13.5, female = 83.2) of SLE was observed for the year 2000 and has increased to 90 (male = 25.5, female = 156.7) per 100,000 population in 2015. Over the 16-year period, the incidence of SLE in women was approximately six times higher than in men (odds ratio = 6.16). The highest and lowest incidence was recorded in 2001 and 2015, respectively. Despite the stable incidence of SLE, the findings of the study confirms that the prevalence of SLE has increased over the 16-year period. The increase in prevalence of SLE in Alberta will have an impact on health service utilizations. This finding can be used for planning and evaluating health services for this group of patients. Further studies are required to determine the economic burden of the condition.

Prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in Spain: higher than previously reported in other countries?

“…Thus, in 1999 it was 22 (95% CI: 18, 26) cases per 100 000 inhabitants aged 15 years or older, against 143 (95% CI: 133, 154) in 2013 [ 11 ]. This latter prevalence is closer to that estimated in our study, considering that the Greek study included people between 15 and 20 years old and this age group would have lower prevalence rates [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Lupus: the new epidemic

“…However, a recent UK cohort study using a clinical practice research data link has shown a decline of 1.8 per 100,000 in SLE annual incidence while its prevalence increased from 64.9 per 100,000 in 1999 to 97.04 in 2012. 60 And in Alberta, Canada, the incidence decreased in 1.85 per 100,000 between 2000 and 2015; 83 these data are shown in Figure 1. The CDC-sponsored studies of the incidence and prevalence of SLE are hard to compare with the ones listed above given the different methodology used to ascertain all cases, as already noted; thus, these CDC studies have not been included in this figure.…”

Frequency of repeat antinuclear antibody testing in Ontario: a population-based descriptive study

“…Patients with suspected or confirmed connective tissue disease were also 4-5 times (OR 4.18, 95% CI 3.70-4.73 for any physician, OR 5.37, 95% CI 4.69-6.14 for the same physician) more likely to undergo repeat testing after a previous positive result (Table 3). Interval, mo [24][25][26] which raises concerns of potential overuse of ANA testing.…”