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Mortality from scleroderma in England and Wales 1968-1985
1Arthritis and Rheumatism Council, Manchester.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) mortality rates in England and Wales from 1968-1985 were low but showed a significant annual increase. This trend may indicate a rise in scleroderma incidence over time.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a rare chronic autoimmune disease.
- Understanding mortality trends is crucial for public health initiatives and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mortality trends for scleroderma in England and Wales between 1968 and 1985.
- To compare these trends with data from the United States.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mortality data obtained from death certificates.
- Calculation of crude mortality rates per million population per year for men and women.
- Statistical analysis to identify significant trends over the study period.
Main Results:
- Overall crude mortality rates were 0.9 per million for men and 3.8 per million for women.
- A statistically significant increase in scleroderma mortality of 3% per year was observed.
- These rates are comparable to those reported in the United States.
Conclusions:
- The observed increase in scleroderma mortality may suggest a rising incidence of the disease.
- Despite limitations in death certificate accuracy, mortality data offer valuable insights into disease occurrence and outcomes.
- Continued monitoring of scleroderma epidemiology is warranted.