Lupus in Hong Kong Chinese

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a fairly common rheumatic disease among southern Chinese in Hong Kong, with an estimated point prevalence of 0.06% (0.1% among women). Compared with the Caucasians, renal disease and the anti-Ro antibody appear to be more common in our SLE patients. Whether these are related to certain genetic or environment factors remains speculative. Nephritis and its treatment are the major causes of organ damage in our lupus population. With early diagnosis of the disease and its complications, judicious use of immunosuppressive therapy to achieve prompt control of disease activity, and better supportive care for disease- or treatment-related morbidity, the survival of our Chinese SLE patients has improved. In the past decade, considerable effort has been spent on lupus education, medical training and research in Hong Kong, aiming to improve the quality of care of patients with SLE. More grants and funding are being sought for basic and clinical researches in SLE and subsidising patients to receive newer and less toxic treatment options.