ACR Convergence 2025 Sheds Light on Disparities, Age-Related Trends, and Epidemiology in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

CHICAGO – At ACR Convergence 2025, new research explored critical disparities and epidemiologic trends shaping outcomes in autoimmune rheumatic diseases across diverse populations and age groups. Studies presented at the meeting highlighted issues ranging from kidney transplant outcomes in lupus to medication disparities in rheumatoid arthritis and demographic patterns in systemic sclerosis and axial spondyloarthritis.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
A 20-year analysis (Abstract 2130546) revealed persistent racial and ethnic disparities in kidney transplant outcomes among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), both before and after the 2014 Kidney Allocation System revision, underscoring ongoing challenges in equitable care access and outcomes.

Additional findings (Abstract 2127528) highlighted racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) by Medicare beneficiaries with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis, indicating gaps in treatment that may contribute to unequal disease control.

Age-Specific Incidence and Clinical Trial Inclusion
A meta-analysis (Abstract 2113493) utilizing CDC lupus registry data detailed the age-specific, sex, and race/ethnicity incidence of SLE in the United States, providing valuable insights for targeted awareness and prevention efforts.

A systematic review (Abstract 2113048) examined the inclusion of older adults in randomized controlled trials of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, finding underrepresentation that potentially limits application of study results to this growing patient segment.

Mortality and Regional Variations
An updated analysis of systemic sclerosis-related mortality trends in the U.S. from 1999 to 2023 (Abstract 2128620) revealed persistent disparities and evolving demographic and regional mortality patterns, informing public health and clinical priorities.

Early axial spondyloarthritis prevalence and regional differences were characterized in Latin America through the multinational ESPALDA registry (Abstract 2131505), enriching understanding of disease burden in diverse populations.

These multifaceted studies underscore the urgent need to address disparities and tailor care across demographic groups, highlighting how factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, and geographic location can significantly influence health outcomes. By recognizing and responding to these differences, healthcare systems and policymakers can develop more equitable strategies that ensure all individuals receive appropriate, effective, and culturally sensitive care.

Media Contact
Teri Arnold
Director, Public Relations & Communications
tarnold@rheumatology.org
757-272-7002

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About the American College of Rheumatology
Founded in 1934, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is a not-for-profit, professional association committed to advancing the specialty of rheumatology that serves over 10,000 physicians, health professionals, researchers and scientists worldwide. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatology professionals are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

About ACR Convergence
ACR Convergence, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, is where rheumatology meets to collaborate, celebrate, congregate, and learn. With hundreds of sessions and thousands of abstracts, it offers a superior combination of basic science, clinical science, business education and interactive discussions to improve patient care and advance the specialty. For more information about the meeting, visit the ACR Convergence page, or join the conversation on X by following the officia