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Increased mortality in Dupuytren's disease.
O A Mikkelsen1, H M Høyeraal, L Sandvik
1Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Haugesund and Medstat, Lillestrøm, Norway.
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Men with Dupuytren
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A prior study noted a decline in Dupuytren's disease prevalence in men over 79.
- This observation suggested potentially higher mortality rates in affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that Dupuytren's disease is associated with increased mortality.
- To quantify the mortality risk in men diagnosed with Dupuytren's disease.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study followed 426 men with Dupuytren's disease (born 1900-1924) for 26 years (1969-1996).
- Mortality data was compared against an age-matched control group of 426 men.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality was 22% higher in the Dupuytren's disease group compared to controls.
- The highest mortality risk (70% higher than controls) was observed in men with disease onset before age 60.
- Disease duration did not correlate with mortality differences.
Conclusions:
- Dupuytren's disease is linked to significantly increased overall mortality.
- Early-onset Dupuytren's disease (before age 60) is associated with a substantially elevated mortality risk.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms underlying this association.