Racial and ethnic disparities in lupus rates revealed in new report

Striking racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence and prevalence of lupus are discussed in research in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Based on data from 2.4 million people in San Francisco and Manhattan, the key findings show that the prevalence of lupus in Hispanics and Asians is greater than that seen in Whites, but not as frequent as Blacks.

The results suggest that doctors should be vigilant in looking for lupus in not only Black patients, but also in Asians and Hispanics.

“Physicians should consider the diagnosis especially when patients come in with symptoms that could be consistent with lupus such as arthritis, rashes, and signs of kidney disease,” explains Dr Peter Izmirly, one of the lead authors. “Hopefully this can lead to earlier diagnosis of the disease and better care.”

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