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Epidemiology of systemic sclerosis
1Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15261.
Clinics in Dermatology
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Systemic sclerosis, a connective tissue disease, affects women more than men and incidence increases with age. Research highlights its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and impact on quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Connective tissue diseases
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis is a group of connective tissue diseases with distinct subtypes.
- Epidemiological features include increased incidence with age and higher prevalence in women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical impact of systemic sclerosis.
- To emphasize the need for further research into environmental factors and patient subsets.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data.
- Analysis of demographic trends.
- Examination of genetic and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Systemic sclerosis incidence increases with age, predominantly affects women, and has a notable racial predilection in young black women.
- While genetic predisposition is weak, HLA associations with autoantibodies are significant.
- Environmental agents may play a role in pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Systemic sclerosis leads to significant disability, reduced lifespan, and necessitates further research into specific patient subsets and environmental triggers.
- Improved case detection likely explains increased incidence and mortality rates.
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