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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
12:04
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Epidemiology changes in systemic lupus erythematosus in Italy: the EASIEST study
Michela Gasparotto1, Irene Mattioli1, Elisabetta Alti2
1Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy and Clinical Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste, Italy.
Lupus Science & Medicine
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) incidence and prevalence doubled over 12 years in Tuscany. Therapeutic strategies evolved, with increased biologic use and more patients not on glucocorticoids, indicating a shift towards sparing treatments.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibits significant regional and temporal epidemiological variations.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for assessing disease burden and healthcare system performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze 12-year changes (2010 vs. 2022) in SLE epidemiology, demographics, clinical features, and treatments.
- Focus on a general practitioner (GP)-based cohort in Tuscany, Italy.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two cross-sectional surveys among GPs in Florence District, Italy.
- Identified SLE cases and assessed temporal variations in incidence, prevalence, and patient characteristics.
Main Results:
- SLE incidence doubled (5.4 to 10.9 per 100,000 person-years), and prevalence increased (75 to 120 per 100,000 persons).
- Joint, skin, and hematologic involvement were most common; renal involvement decreased. Biologic therapy use rose, while glucocorticoid use remained central.
- A higher proportion of patients were not on any treatment, suggesting a move towards glucocorticoid-sparing approaches. Ethnic composition remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Over a decade, SLE incidence and prevalence rose in this GP-based cohort.
- Therapeutic strategies evolved, with increased biologic use and more patients off glucocorticoids.
- Findings highlight the need for health planning and support the utility of GP-based epidemiological studies.
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