Area Deprivation and Disease Severity in Pediatric Patients with DLE and SLE
University of Wisconsin
Overview:
Children with lupus often face more severe disease than adults, but the reasons remain unclear. This project will explore how neighborhood disadvantage—such as limited access to safe housing, good schools, healthcare, and supportive environments— contributes to that risk. In adults, neighborhood disadvantage is already linked to worse outcomes in lupus and many other diseases, but its impact on children has never been studied. We aim to learn whether children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to have severe lupus at diagnosis. By shifting the focus away from race or genetics alone and toward structural challenges, this research will uncover new opportunities to identify high-risk children earlier, strengthen community support, and inform policies that reduce inequities. Our goal is to improve care and long-term outcomes for children with lupus, especially those from communities facing the greatest barriers.
Status:
This was funded through a 2025 PeDRA Research Grant.