Rates of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mortality in the US have decreased since 1968 but remain high relative to non-SLE mortality, and significant sex, racial, and regional disparities persist, according to a recent study. Researchers conducted a population-based study using a national mortality database and census data (there were 50,249 SLE deaths and 100,851,288 non-SLE deaths from 1968 through 2013). They found:

• During this period, the SLE age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) decreased less than the non-SLE ASMR, with a 34.6% cumulative increase in the ratio of the former to the latter.
• The non-SLE ASMR decreased every year starting in 1968, whereas the SLE ASMR decreased between 1968 and 1975, increased between 1975 and 1999, and decreased thereafter.
• Similar patterns were seen in both sexes, among black persons, and in the South.
• Females, black persons, and residents of the South had higher SLE ASMRs and larger cumulative increases in the ratio of the SLE to the non-SLE ASMR (31.4%, 62.5%, and 58.6%, respectively) than males, other racial/ethnic groups, and residents of other regions, respectively.