Epidemiology

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents a significant burden worldwide. Both the incidence and prevalence of SLE vary widely depending on population demographics, socio-economic factors, gender, and certain ethnic populations.[3][4][5]​​​ Methods applied to study the epidemiology of SLE have limitations. Studies have primarily focused on white populations and most have been conducted in small, well-defined geographical areas.

According to one systematic review and meta-analysis which assessed data from multiple countries (Argentina, China, Cuba, Colombia, Democratic Republic Congo, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe) prevalence of SLE ranged from 3.2 per 100,000 people (India) to 3000 per 100,000 people (Kenya); in the same dataset, incidence was found to range from 0.3 per 100,000 people (Ukraine) to 8.7 per 100,000 people (Brazil).[5]

In the UK, from 1999 to 2012, the incidence of SLE has been estimated to be 4.91 per 100,000 person-years; evidence suggests that the prevalence of SLE in the UK is increasing.[6]

Incidence is higher in women than in men; reported sex ratios range from 2:1 to 15:1.[6][7][8] Peak age of onset ranges from 30 to 70 years in women and between 50 and 70 years in men.[3][6]

Data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention National Lupus Registries (2002-2004; 2007-2009) estimated the prevalence of SLE in the US at 72.8 per 100,000 person-years.[9] The prevalence estimate was nine times higher among women (128.7 per 100,000) than among men (14.6 per 100,000). Prevalence was highest among African-American people (230.9 per 100,000 for women and 26.7 per 100,000 for men), followed by Hispanic people (120.7 per 100,000 for women and 18.0 per 100,000 for men), and lowest in white people (84.7 per 100,000 for women and 8.9 per 100,000 for men).[9] Global epidemiological data appear to confirm differences reported between ethnic groups in the US. [3]

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