Characterizing lupus in African American children in Southern United States

• DOI: 10.1186/s12969-025-01085-4
• Publication Date: 2025-04-07T08:38:57Z
• Authors: Taylor B. Winstead; Spencer Hagwood; Cynthia Karlson; Anita Dhanrajani

To characterize the clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic profile of childhood systemic lupus erythematous (cSLE) in Black Belt Southern United States comparison to current literature predominantly Caucasian cohorts. This is a cross-sectional study characterizing patients with cSLE from two centers Southeastern States- University Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Demographic, social, clinical data was retrospectively collected by medical chart review for prevalent incident via electronic records UMMC Childhood arthritis rheumatology research alliance (CARRA) registry database UAB. The combined analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Of 45 patients,82.2%were female, 82.2% were AA ethnicity, 66.7% had Medicaid insurance. Mean age diagnosis 13.5 years (+/- 2.8). American College Rheumatology (ACR) score 5.1 1.27), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC score) 8.4 2.5). Average baseline Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) 13.06 9.3), SLEDAI 6 months 1 year respectively 7.4 4.7. distance traveled see rheumatologist 74.83 miles compared national average 42.8 miles. 37/45 (82%) belonged medium-high or high Social Vulnerability (SVI) group based on zip code. Compared previously described multiethnic cohorts cSLE, this patient population has significantly higher disease activity greater damage accrual. risk factors include SVI, longer an academic pediatric center, having effect these disparity outcomes needs be further explored larger