Lupus Severity Greater With Southern European Ancestry

There is a correlation between lupus severity and ancestry, according to a presentation at EULAR (the annual congress of the European League Against Rheumatism) and a report from the Arthritis Foundation. From a genetic analysis that involved 1,270 patients with SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), researchers found that study participants with northern European ancestry were more affected by photosensitivity and discoid lupus rash compared to those of southern European descent who tended to have more severe complications of lupus, including antinuclear antibodies, anticardiolipin antibodies, arthritis, and lupus nephritis (kidney disease).

When compared to Southern European lupus patients in the study, Northern European lupus patients had:

• 62% less risk of antinuclear antibodies
• 36% less risk of anticardiolipin antibodies
• 38% less risk of arthritis
• 25% less risk of lupus nephritis

Researchers believe these findings suggest that -- even in a melting pot like the United States -- it may be beneficial to consider a patient's ancestry when choosing the best approach for managing lupus.

Related Resources:

• Do I Have Lupus?
• Lupus Screening Quiz
• Fast Facts About Lupus
• Test Your Knowledge: Lupus
• Lupus: 10 Things You Should Know

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