Utilization of preventive services in a systemic lupus erythematosus population-based cohort: a Lupus Midwest Network (LUMEN) study

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease that can lead to damage of multiple organs and, along with certain treatments, increase the risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and infections. Preventive services are particularly important in patients with SLE to mitigate the aforementioned risks. We aimed to evaluate the trends of preventive services utilization in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, compared with non-SLE population. METHODS: All ≥19-year-old patients in the Lupus Midwest Network (LUMEN) registry, a population-based cohort, with SLE on January 1, 2015, were included and matched (1:1) by sex, age, race, and county to non-SLE comparators. Among both groups, we compared the rates of screenings for breast and cervical cancer, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis as well as immunizations. RESULTS: We included 440 SLE patients and 430 non-SLE comparators. The probability of breast cancer screening among women with SLE was similar to comparators (hazard ratio [HR] 1.09, 95% CI 0.85–1.39), while cervical cancer screening was lower (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.96). Hypertension screening was higher among patients with SLE (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13–1.62); however, hyperlipidemia screening was similar to comparators (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.96–1.41). Diabetes and osteoporosis screenings were more likely to be performed for SLE patients than for comparators (HR 2.46, 95% CI 2.11–2.87; and HR 3.19, 95% CI 2.31–4.41; respectively). Influenza and pneumococcal immunizations were higher among SLE patients (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.12–1.54; and HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.38–3.09; respectively), while zoster vaccination was similar (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.81–1.69). CONCLUSIONS: The trends of utilization of preventive services by SLE patients vary according to screening or vaccine compared with the general population. Considering these differences, we demonstrate an opportunity for improvement, particularly in cervical cancer, hyperlipidemia, and osteoporosis screenings and vaccinations. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02878-8.