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[Systemic lupus erythematosus: the first Italian prevalence study]
M Benucci1, F Li Gobbi, A Del Rosso
1Sezione di Reumatologia Nuovo Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio, Via di Torregalli 3, Florence, Italy. maubenucci@tiscali.it
Reumatismo
|June 29, 2005
Summary
This study assessed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) prevalence in Italy, finding a rate of 71/100,000. The Lupus Screening Questionnaire (LQS) proved effective for diagnosis in the Italian population.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with varying prevalence globally.
- Understanding regional SLE prevalence is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in an adult population in the Florence sub-area of Italy.
- To evaluate the utility of the Lupus Screening Questionnaire (LQS) for SLE diagnosis in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving over 30,000 adult patients registered with general practitioners (GPs).
- Patients completed the Lupus Screening Questionnaire (LQS), with suspected cases undergoing further clinical and serological evaluation.
- SLE diagnosis and activity were confirmed by rheumatologists.
Main Results:
- A total of 71,204 adults were included in the study population.
- SLE prevalence was confirmed in 23 patients, resulting in an overall rate of 71/100,000 (1 case/1,408).
- Prevalence rates varied slightly across the studied areas: Scandicci (81/100,000), Lastra a Signa (62/100,000), and Signa (65/100,000).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first epidemiological data on SLE prevalence in Italy.
- The observed SLE prevalence is comparable to findings from other European studies.
- The Lupus Screening Questionnaire (LQS) is validated as a simple and reliable tool for SLE diagnosis in the Italian population.