EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: TIME TREND AND RACIAL DIFFERENCES

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Abstract
Data have been presented on the trend of SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) and its distribution by age, sex, and race from 1951 to 1960, inclusive, based on an epidemiological study in a defined area of New York City and on the reported mortality from the disease for the city as a whole. No evidence was found of an increase in incidence and mortality during the past decade. However, the prevalence of existing cases in the community has increased progressively, presumably because of earlier recognition and improved medical care. Morbidity and mortality rates varied with sex and race. They were highest in nonwhite females, followed in descending order by Puerto Rican and other white females. In each of these racial groups, the standardized rates in females were 5 or more times greater than those in males. The relation of the disease to age differed for males and females. In females, the rates varied with age, being highest from 15 to 44 years of age, while in males the rates appeared to be independent of age. The role of socioeconomic factors, racial differences in normal gamma globulin levels, and endocrine changes in the female has been discussed and warrants further investigation.