LUPUS
in Brazil

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disease with a complex pathophysiology. It has the potential to lead to serious organ complications and cause substantial physical and functional disability, including death. SLE typically presents between the ages of 15 and 45 years, with a 9:1 ratio of female to male affection, and predominantly affects non-white population. With its varying forms of presentation, the pathophysiology of SLE is constantly evolving creating a need for a consensus in the definition and criteria of the disease itself, a better understanding of risk factors among different populations, and of factors affecting the severity of the disease.

Renal involvement is present in an average of 38% of patients at the time of SLE diagnosis and occurs in 40-70% of SLE patients during the course of their disease. SLE patients that are more likely to develop renal disease are typically of younger age, male and African, Asian, or Hispanic. Approximately 10-20% of patients progress to end stage renal disease (ESRD) within 10-15 years from lupus nephritis (LN) diagnosis. LN is the most common and severe systemic manifestation of SLE that remains the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality. There is scarce current Brazilian epidemiological data on SLE and LN; however, SLE and LN are considered uncommon within the country.

In January 2021, AHF convened a meeting of Brazilian experts on SLE and LN in Brazil via Zoom to develop recommendations for increasing the early diagnosis, treatment, and effective management of these diseases in the country. The resulting article, “The Landscape of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Brazil: An Expert Panel Review and Recommendations,” has been published in Lupus Journal. Please click here to read the full article.