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Childhood psoriasis: a study of 277 patients from China
Insights
This study details the clinical and epidemiological profile of childhood psoriasis in China, finding a significant heritability and common occurrence of plaque-type psoriasis in children.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Childhood psoriasis is a prevalent condition requiring detailed epidemiological understanding.
- Understanding the clinical presentation and risk factors is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of childhood psoriasis in the Han Chinese population.
- To assess the heritability and familial prevalence of psoriasis in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 277 pediatric psoriasis patients (<16 years).
- Statistical analysis using EPI INFO 6.0 and SPSS 10.0.
- Heritability estimation via Falconer's method.
Main Results:
- Median age of patients was 11 years, with a male:female ratio of 1:1.13.
- Plaque-type psoriasis (68.6%) was most common, followed by guttate psoriasis (28.9%).
- Positive family history in 34.3% and high heritability (72.67% in first-degree relatives).
Conclusions:
- This study provides key epidemiological data on childhood psoriasis in Han Chinese children.
- Findings highlight the genetic predisposition and common clinical subtypes relevant for pediatric dermatology.
Objectives:
Psoriasis is common in childhood. The aim of this study was to present the clinical and epidemiological profile of childhood psoriasis in China.
Methods:
A total of 277 childhood psoriasis patients younger than 16 years old were enrolled. Statistical analysis and heritability were performed using EPI INFO 6.0, spss 10.0 and Falconer's method.
Results:
The median age was 11 years. The male : female ratio was 1:1.13. The median age of onset was 10 years. Of the patients, 48.7% had previous episodes of psoriasis. Of the 277 children with psoriasis, 68.6% had plaque-type psoriasis, 28.9% had guttate psoriasis, 1.1% presented pustular forms of psoriasis and 1.4% had erythroderma. The extensor surface of the extremities was the most frequently affected site in our patients, followed by the appearance of lesions on the scalp. A positive family history of psoriasis was found in 34.3% patients. The prevalence of psoriasis in first- and second-degree relatives was 7.0% and 1.0%, respectively. The heritability of psoriasis in first- and second-degree relatives was 72.67% and 55.18%, respectively.
Conclusion:
Our epidemiologic studies offer the information about Han Chinese distribution, which provide clues to describe psoriasis in children.
