Prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in Colombia: data from the national health registry 2012–2016

Introduction: Registries are essential to keep track of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) epidemiology and to provide better care to patients. The Colombian Ministry of Health has adopted a registry (SISPRO) to gather comprehensive information coming from the Colombian health system, which provides close to universal coverage (around 95%). The information collected from SISPRO is available for scientific analysis. Objectives: We used data collected by SISPRO to estimate prevalence and specific characteristics of patients with SLE registered from January 2012 to December 2016. Methods: This is a descriptive epidemiological study using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems as search terms related to SLE, based on SISPRO data. Criteria for diagnosis are not explicitly addressed in each individual case. Results: National records report 41,804 patients with a diagnosis of SLE for an estimated prevalence of 91.9/100,000 subjects (based on a total population of 47,663,162), being more frequent in women (89% cases). When adjusted, female and male prevalences were 204.3 and 20.2 per 100,000 (ratio 10.1) with a 7.9:1 female:male ratio, and were highest in the 45–49-year age group. Conclusions: This is the first study that describes demographic characteristics of SLE in Colombia, with useful information for decision makers. It also suggests a similar prevalence to other countries.