A meta-analysis of over 50 studies identified key differences in genetics across racial and ethnic groups that may predispose some populations to developing systemic lupus erythematosus; these findings were published by Demkova et al in Rheumatology. Key findings included that lupus is more common in non-European populations and is most common in people with African ancestry; non-Hispanic White individuals are the group in which lupus is the least common, while those with Hispanic or Asian ancestry had intermediate lupus rates in their populations. Non-European populations are also more susceptible to childhood-onset lupus; are more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages; and are more likely to have severe lupus and worse health outcomes than those with European ancestry.
The study also revealed that regardless of race or ethnicity, female sex is the strongest risk factor for lupus, with females being diagnosed with lupus at approximately nine times the rate of males.