Study Reveals Shockingly High Rates of Incorrect Lupus Diagnosis

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Lupus Foundation of America  study of over 3,000 adults with lupus found that 46.5 percent report being misdiagnosed with something other than lupus at the start of their journey with this unpredictable and life-altering disease. Additionally, more than half (54.1 percent) were told that there was nothing wrong with them or that their symptoms were psychological.

The data was included in a cross-sectional study, "Lupus Diagnosis: Process and Patient Experience," released by the Lupus Foundation of America today at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego. The study demonstrates the urgent need to shorten the time to obtain an accurate diagnosis so people with lupus can begin critical treatment that will reduce damage to vital organs, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs and brain.

Previous studies have shown that it takes nearly six years from the time people with lupus first notice symptoms until they obtain a correct diagnosis. Damage caused by lupus increases the likelihood of developing long-term health complications, making early diagnosis crucial for people with lupus – an important strategic objective of the Lupus Foundation of America.

"This study is so valuable because it's the first in-depth look at the patient diagnostic experience," said R. Paola Daly, Director of Research at the Lupus Foundation of America. "The results of this study will help us understand and in-turn, prevent the specific factors that lead to unacceptable delays in receiving a lupus diagnosis."

Through this study, the Lupus Foundation of America sought to identify barriers that impede lupus diagnosis and ways to improve its accuracy.  Nearly 40 percent of those with lupus waited more than one year from the onset of symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis. These findings underscore the importance of providing continuing medical education about lupus symptoms to both primary and specialty healthcare providers.

During the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting (November 3-8), the Lupus Foundation of America will conduct on-site Facebook Live interviews with lupus researchers and other health professionals about the findings from their research studies. More than 35 Lupus Foundation of America funded researchers will be presenting on findings from their lupus studies. To learn more about the Facebook Live interviews, visit http://bit.ly/ACR17hub. 

About the Lupus Foundation of America's Research Program
Research is the key to solving the cruel mystery of lupus and ending its brutal impact. The Lupus Foundation of America focuses on smarter research that will lead to faster progress, and has supported more than 400 lupus research studies conducted at more than 100 medical institutions throughout the United States. Data generated by the Foundation's early research investments have provided important pathways toward identifying people at highest risk for lupus and stopping the disease before it starts. For more information on Lupus Foundation of America research priorities, visit lupus.org/research.

About the Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org.

CONTACT:
Mike Donnelly
[email protected]
202.349.1162

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America

Related Links

http://www.lupus.org