To evaluate the association between neighborhood deprivation and functional status in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using data from the national Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry.
Approach:
Study Design: Data were derived from the RISE registry, which collects electronic health record data from outpatient clinical care across the U.S. Patients aged 18 and older with SLE were included if they had at least two visits with relevant ICD codes.
Functional Status Assessment: Functional status was assessed using validated measures including the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ), and Health Assessment Questionnaire–II (HAQ-II).
Key Findings:
Greater neighborhood deprivation was associated with worse physical function and a higher likelihood of short-term functional decline.
Nearly one in five patients with SLE living in the most deprived neighborhoods experienced clinically significant functional status decline within a median follow-up of less than two years.
The study adjusted for variables such as age, race, medication use, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.
Interpretation:
The findings indicate that socioeconomic factors significantly impact functional outcomes in patients with SLE.
Limitations:
The study may not account for all potential confounding factors influencing functional status.
Data were limited to patients participating in the RISE registry, which may not represent all SLE patients.
Conclusion:
Understanding the relationship between neighborhood SES and functional status in SLE is critical for informing strategies to reduce health disparities.
Federal prosecutors allege that a Florida physician and research staff fabricated clinical trial records that were submitted into database systems used to evaluate investigational drugs.
