REVIEW Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in Asia

In this paper we aim to review the prevalence, incidence and disease presentation of lupus patients in Asian populations. The database of the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) through PUBMED up to September 2009 was searched for relevant articles using the search terms ‘systemic lupus erythematosus’, ‘epidemiology’, and ‘Asia’. Articles on lupus prevalence, incidence, and clinical manifestations were retrieved and their bibliogra-phies further screened for relevant articles. Proceedings of national, regional, and interna-tional rheumatology and SLE conferences were likewise searched for relevant abstracts. Retrieval rate of relevant articles was approximately 80%. Prevalence and incidence figures are expressed per 100,000 populations. Among the articles reviewed, epidemiologic informa-tion was usually obtained through population surveys or hospital cohorts. Prevalence data are available from 24 countries, and generally fall within 30–50/100,000 population. However, one survey showed a higher prevalence of 70 (Shanghai), while three others showed a lower prevalence of 3.2–19.3 (India, Japan, Saudi Arabia). Only three countries have recorded inci-dence rates and these varied from 0.9 to 3.1 per annum. Thirty articles from 21 countries describe lupus disease presentation. Common manifestations include mucocutaneous lesion