The incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in the UK, 1999–2012

Abstract

ObjectivesTo estimate the incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the UK over the period 1999–2012.MethodsA retrospective cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). The incidence was calculated per 100 000 person-years and the prevalence was calculated per 100 000 people for the period 1999–2012 and stratified by year, age group, gender, region and ethnicity. Three definitions of SLE were explored: (1) systemic lupus, (2) a fully comprehensive definition of lupus including cutaneous only lupus and (3) requiring supporting evidence of SLE in the medical record.ResultsUsing our primary definition of SLE, the incidence during the study period was 4.91/100 000 person-years (95% CI 4.73 to 5.09), with an annual 1.8% decline (p<0.001). In contrast, the prevalence increased from 64.99/100 000 in 1999 (95% CI 62.04 to 67.93) (0.065%) to 97.04/100 000 in 2012 (95% CI 94.18 to 99.90) (0.097%). SLE was six times more common in women. The peak age of incidence was 50–59 years. There was regional variation in both incidence and prevalence. People of Black Caribbean ethnicity had the highest incidence and prevalence. Alternative definitions of SLE increased (definition 2) or decreased (definition 3) estimates of incidence and prevalence, but similar trends were found.ConclusionsThe incidence of SLE has been declining but the prevalence has been increasing in the UK in recent years. Age, gender, region and ethnicity are risk factors for SLE. This is the first study to report ethnic differences on the incidence and prevalence of SLE using the CPRD.

Job Accommodations Availability and Utilization Among People With Lupus: An Examination of Workplace Activity Limitations and Work Context Factors

“…Lupus is a chronic multiorgan disease with a prevalence that ranges from 20 to 51 per 100,000 in Canada (28,29) and 78 to 97 per 100,000 in other countries (30,31) that has been shown to have a negative impact on work and work participation (32,33). It is estimated that 60% of people with lupus experience some form of activity limitations at work (34).…”

Early Clinical Features in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Can They Be Used to Achieve Earlier Diagnosis? A Risk Prediction Model

“…(5) In January 2013 there were 660 practices contributing records for approximately 12 million people. The CPRD has been previously described and validated (6,7), but in brief practices enter data on patient demographics, diagnoses, consultations and prescriptions using Vision Practice Management Software. Diagnoses are recorded using Read codes, a standard clinical terminology system used in general practice in the UK.…”

Lupus Nephritis: A Different Disease in European Patients?

“…A recent UK retrospective cohort study also confirmed the highest incidence and prevalence of SLE in people with black Caribbean ethnicity and a higher prevalence in Asian compared to white patients [9]. Similarly, in a large French nationwide study, the prevalence of SLE was also much higher in the Caribbean overseas areas and lowest in the French northwestern metropolitan territories [10].…”

“…The increasing prevalence of SLE in the UK [9], despite an annual decline in its incidence by 1.8%, may supposedly result from a better outcome of patients with SLE, but this remains to be confirmed also for nonwhite ethnicities. The outcome of black patients with LN is significantly worse both in terms of patient survival (the 5-, 10- and 15-year patient survival was 76, 65 and 55% in blacks compared to 87, 76 and 70% in whites [13]) and renal survival (the 5-year survival without doubling of serum creatinine was 63% in blacks and 88% in whites [39]).…”