The incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2002-2004: The Georgia Lupus Registry

Objective: The Georgia Lupus Registry is a population-based registry designed to improve our ability to estimate incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a large population. Methods: Potential cases were identified from multiple sources during the years 2002 through 2004. Cases were defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Criteria for SLE or a combined definition. Age-standardized rates were determined and stratified by race and sex. With capture-recapture analyses, we estimated the under-ascertainment of cases. Results: Using the ACR case definition, the overall crude and age-adjusted incidence rate was 5.6/100,000, with capture-recapture and combined definition rates being slightly higher. The age-adjusted incidence rate for women was >5 times higher (9.2 vs. 1.8) than that for men. Black women had an incidence rate nearly 3 times higher than that for white women with a significantly higher rate in the 30 to 59 years age group. The overall crude and age-adjusted prevalence rates were 74.4 and 73/100,000, respectively. The age-adjusted prevalence rate for women was nearly 9 times higher (127.6 vs. 14.7) than that for men. Black women had very high rates (196.2). A striking difference was seen in the proportion with end-stage renal disease in prevalent cases, with a sevenfold greater involvement among blacks. Conclusion: With more complete case finding, our incidence and prevalence rates are among the highest reported in the United States. Results continue to underscore striking gender, age, and racial disparities between blacks and whites. © 2013 American College of Rheumatology.