Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosis Is Earlier in Males Compared to Females

The study found that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was diagnosed earlier in males compared to females. Among the 46 patients studied, 25% of males experienced a diagnostic delay, whereas 73.8% of females did (p=0.043). This earlier diagnosis in males was attributed to clinicians investigating symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, arthralgia, and anemia more thoroughly in males, as these symptoms are often confounding in females due to their prevalence in other frequent diseases. The study concluded that SLE diagnosis was more prompt in males, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic strategies for females.