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A nationwide surveillance study of rheumatic diseases among Japanese children
1Department of Pediatrics, Koshigaya Hospital, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Saitama, Japan.
Insights
This study surveyed Japanese hospitals to estimate childhood rheumatic diseases. Findings indicate higher prevalence than previously reported, highlighting the need for better tracking of juvenile arthritis and related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rheumatic diseases in children are often underestimated.
- Accurate incidence data is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence and incidence of various rheumatic diseases in the pediatric population in Japan.
- To compare current estimates with existing literature and government insurance data.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide questionnaire survey was distributed to 1,290 pediatric departments in Japan in June 1994.
- Data collected included reported cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM), and other connective tissue diseases.
- Crude annual incidence rates per 100,000 children were calculated for each condition.
Main Results:
- 1,606 cases of JRA, 906 of SLE, and 320 of DM/PM were reported, among others.
- Estimated incidence rates included JRA (0.83), SLE (0.47), and DM/PM (0.16) per 100,000 children.
- The study identified a higher number of children with rheumatic diseases than previously estimated.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of childhood rheumatic diseases in Japan is likely higher than currently recognized.
- Current reporting mechanisms may not fully capture the burden of these conditions.
- Further research and improved surveillance are needed to understand the full scope of pediatric rheumatic diseases.
Abstract:
To estimate the number of children with rheumatic diseases, a questionnaire was distributed to the pediatrics department of 1,290 hospitals in Japan in June 1994. From this survey, 1,606 cases with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), 906 cases with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 320 cases with dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM), 28 cases with scleroderma (PSS), 70 cases with Sjögren's syndrome (Sjs), 93 cases with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), 25 cases with aortitis syndrome, 20 cases with polyarteritis (PN) and 51 cases with Behçet disease were reported. The crude annual incidence rates per 100,000 among the childhood population were estimated as JRA, 0.83; SLE, 0.47; DM/PM, 0.16; PSS, 0.01; Sjs, 0.04; MCTD, 0.05; aortitis syndrome, 0.01; PN, 0.01; and Behçet disease, 0.03. The present study reveals that there are more children with rheumatic diseases than are estimated from the reported cases in the literature and the number of children who are receiving Assistance Medical Costs Insurance covered by the Japanese government.