Incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus in Finland, 2000-2007, a nationwide study
Elfving, P.; Puolakka, K.; Kautiainen, H.; Virta, L.J.; Pohjolainen, T.; Kaipiainen-Seppänen, O.
Clinical and experimental rheumatology 32(6): 953-955
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-856X PMID: 25328038 Document Number: 678237
To determine the age- and sex-specific incidence rates of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Finland. The incident cases were identified through diagnostic register searches for SLE on the nationwide database of the Social Insurance Institution. During the 8-year study period 599 incident cases occurred (518 females, 81 males). The mean annual incidence rate of SLE for adults was 1.69 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.56-1.84) and was highest among females aged 40-59 years. The gender incidence rate ratio was 6.43 (95% CI 5.06-8.26). The incidence for children was 0.39 (95% CI 0.27-0.55). The incidence of SLE was lower compared to the countries at the same latitudes. SLE in children remained a rarity.