The annual incidence of SLE in the United States ranges from 2.0 to 7.6 cases per 100,000 persons per year and the prevalence of SLE ranges from 14.6 to 68 cases per 100,000 persons.2,3 Five-year survival rates have increased from half of patients to 88% to 96% of patients diagnosed with SLE.3 Ten-year survival rates are 95% and 71% for younger and older patients, respectively.4 The 20-year survival rates are now estimated at 80% of patients, due to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment options.5