Features of SLE in various ethnic groups in Israel.

Objective: To assess the association between the ethnic origin of patients with SLE living in Israel, and the clinical and laboratory features of SLE.

Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was carried out. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on their ethnic origin: a) Ashkenazi Jews, b) Sepharadic Jews and c) Arabs.

Results: The study included 74 consecutive SLE patients, 69 (93%) women and 5 (7%) men. Their mean age at diagnosis was 32 years and their mean disease duration was 6.4 years. There were 21 (28%) Ashkenazi Jews, 31 (42%) Sepharadic Jews and 22 (30%) Arabs. The demographics, the frequency of various clinical and laboratory variables of SLE, and the mean disease activity index score (SLEDA1) of the three groups were not statistically different.

Conclusion: The ethnic origin of SLE patients living in Israel is not associated with the clinical and laboratory features of the disease.