OBJECTIVES: To gain insights into gender and racial/ ethnic disparities in incidence, real world treatment patterns, and medication adherence among SLE patients in the US.

METHODS: A retrospective study using Optum® de-identified Market Clarity Dataset (linked claims and electronic health records or EHR of patients) was done among adult (>=18 years) patients with 2 or more claims and/ or EHR with SLE diagnosis (ICD-10 code M32) at least 30 days apart during 1^st Jan 2018 to 30^th Jun 2021. Index date was defined as the first claim or EHR with SLE diagnosis. Only patients with no SLE diagnosis in claims or EHR during preceding 6 months from index date were included. All patients were followed-up for 12 months from index date to determine their SLE-specific treatment patterns and medication adherence. Total 6 SLE-specific treatments were considered: biologics, hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants and immunomodulators, NSAIDs, systemic steroids, and topical steroids. The study explores gender and racial/ ethnic disparities in incidence, treatment patterns (overall and biologics treatment rates), and medication adherence (primary and secondary adherence) of SLE.

RESULTS: Total 24,469 SLE patients were included in the study. Incidence of SLE was significantly higher in females (8 per 10,000) than males (1 per 10,000), and in African Americans (9 per 10,000) than Caucasians (4.5 per 10,000). SLE-specific treatment rates were significantly lower in males (83% vs 86% in females) and African Americans (83% vs 86% in Caucasians). Also, proportion of patients treated with biologics was significantly lower among males (1.6% vs 2.4% in females) and African Americans (1.4% vs 2.5% in Caucasians). Further analysis of gender and racial/ ethnic disparities in time from diagnosis to treatment initiation, inpatient hospitalization, specialist consultation, primary and secondary medication adherence is currently underway.

CONCLUSIONS: There are gender and racial/ ethnic disparities in incidence and treatment patterns of SLE.