Multisystemic diseases and ethnicity: a focus on lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, sarcoidosis and Behçet disease

• Published in: British journal of dermatology (1951) Vol. 169; no. s3; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Petit, A., Dadzie, O.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.10.2013
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Behcet Syndrome - diagnosis; Behcet Syndrome - ethnology; Connective Tissue Diseases - diagnosis; Connective Tissue Diseases - ethnology; Continental Population Groups - ethnology; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous - diagnosis; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous - ethnology; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - diagnosis; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - ethnology; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Sarcoidosis - diagnosis; Sarcoidosis - ethnology; Scleroderma, Systemic - diagnosis; Scleroderma, Systemic - ethnology; Skin Diseases - diagnosis; Skin Diseases - ethnology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0007-0963; 1365-2133; 1365-2133
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12533

Summary We present an overview of the association between ethnicity and the clinical and epidemiological aspects of four multisystemic diseases: lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, sarcoidosis and Behçet disease. In particular, we highlight observed ethnic differences in cutaneous manifestations of these diseases. This article should help guide clinical management, as well as serve to highlight future areas for research. What's already known about the subject? A multisystemic disease is a disorder in which several organs or systems are affected by the same pathological process. Clinical experience supports an association between ethnicity and the clinical and epidemiological aspects of some multisystemic diseases. What does this study add? This study presents an evidence‐based review of the impact of ethnicity on epidemiological and cutaneous features of four multisystemic diseases: lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, sarcoidosis and Behçet disease.