Disparities in Asian and Hispanic Lupus Populations Following Diagnosis

In Asian and Hispanic people, lupus affects the blood, kidneys, and other essential organs at a higher rate than in Whites. The disease also affects organs earlier in lupus with faster development in Asian and Hispanic lupus populations compared to Whites. In this new study, lupus also affected multiple organs in nearly one-third of participants and multiorgan disease, defined as involvement of two or more organ systems throughout the course of the disease, was more frequent in Asian and Hispanic participants.

Researchers reviewed the data of 326 adults with lupus. Kidney and blood disease diagnoses were observed within the first year in half of the participants. Whereas neurologic and cardiovascular disease were associated with later stages of lupus. Multiorgan disease occurred in 29% of participants and, in most cases, it included kidney involvement. Asians and Hispanics exhibited a 2- to 3-fold higher rate of kidney, blood, and multiorgan disease after being diagnosed with lupus than White participants.

More research is needed to understand how severe lupus develops and how race and ethnicity contribute to differences in disease outcomes. People with early lupus should be closely monitored by their doctor for development of new lupus symptoms. Learn more about how lupus affects the body.

Read the study