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A systematic review of prevalence, disease characteristics and management of systemic lupus erythematosus in A ustralia: identifying areas of unmet need
Author(s) -
Nikpour M.,
Bridge J. A.,
Richter S.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/imj.12568
Subject(s) - medicine , disease , systemic lupus erythematosus , disease management , systemic disease , intensive care medicine , environmental health , parkinson's disease
Abstract Background Few epidemiological studies of systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE ) have been conducted in A ustralia, and current management practice and levels of unmet need in this country are not well characterised. Aim To perform a systematic literature review to identify A ustralia‐specific information on SLE , particularly areas of unmet need. Methods MEDLINE , EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched (1 J anuary 1990 to 29 N ovember 2013). All articles on prevalence, disease characteristics, management and outcomes of SLE in A ustralia were included. Results There is limited published information on SLE in A ustralia. Of 24 articles included, 18 described results from observational studies, three were narrative reviews, one was a clinical update, and two were medical education articles. In remote regions, SLE was reported to be more prevalent in Aboriginal Australians than non‐Aboriginal Australians; information in urban populations is lacking. Asian Australians may be more affected by SLE than non‐Asian Australians. Pregnancy outcomes may also be adversely affected. Many Australians with SLE may experience high levels of unmet need, including delayed diagnosis, ongoing symptoms, flares, depression/anxiety, sleeping difficulty and decreased quality of life. Published guidance on the SLE management in A ustralia is limited and dated. Conclusions Published information on SLE in A ustralia is limited, but suggests that ethnicity may affect the prevalence and disease characteristics and that many Australians with SLE have unmet needs. Improvements in diagnosis, treatment and management are needed to alleviate these needs. Up‐to‐date guidance on the management of SLE would benefit healthcare professionals and patients.