The global epidemiology of SLE: narrowing the knowledge gaps

SLE is a global health concern that unevenly affects certain ethnic/racial groups. Individuals of Asian, Black, Hispanic and Indigenous ethnicity/race are amongst those who experience increased prevalence, incidence, morbidity and mortality. Population-based surveillance studies from many regions are few and often still in nascent stages. Many of these areas are challenged by restricted access to diagnostics and therapeutics. Without accurately capturing the worldwide burden and distribution of SLE, appropriately dedicating resources to improve global SLE outcomes may be challenging. This review discusses recent SLE epidemiological studies, highlighting the challenges and emerging opportunities in low- and middle-income countries. We suggest means of closing these gaps to better address the global health need in SLE.