Abstract
Background
There is a lack of any overview of changes over time and variation in the epidemiology of psoriasis with age and between genders.
Objectives
To perform a systematic review of published population‐based studies on variations in psoriasis incidence and prevalence with age and between genders, and to explore trends in psoriasis epidemiology over time.
Methods
Eleven electronic and regional databases were searched from their inception dates to October 2019. No language restrictions were applied. Studies where eligible if they reported on changes in psoriasis incidence and/or prevalence over time and/or by age group and gender.
Results
A total of 308 papers were critically appraised, of which 90 studies from 22 countries were included. Incidence data confirmed a clear bimodal age pattern in psoriasis onset, with the first and second peak at around 30‐39 and 60‐69 years of age, respectively, with evidence suggesting it presents slightly earlier in women than men. Whilst prevalence data showed an increasing trend with age until around 60 or 70 years, after which it decreases. Although there was lack of agreement on specific gender differences in psoriasis incidence and prevalence, a slight male predominance was reported in several studies. Studies worldwide suggested a stable or a slightly decreasing trend in psoriasis incidence, whilst an increasing trend in psoriasis prevalence has been consistently reported. One particular challenge faced was the vastly different methodologies used in the included studies, which contributed to some of the heterogeneity of the results.
Conclusions
Studies on changes over time in the occurrence of psoriasis have contributed to a greater appreciation of the increasing burden of the disease. However, further research is required to determine the reason driving the increase in psoriasis prevalence over time.
There is a lack of any overview of changes over time and variation in the epidemiology of psoriasis with age and between genders.
Objectives
To perform a systematic review of published population‐based studies on variations in psoriasis incidence and prevalence with age and between genders, and to explore trends in psoriasis epidemiology over time.
Methods
Eleven electronic and regional databases were searched from their inception dates to October 2019. No language restrictions were applied. Studies where eligible if they reported on changes in psoriasis incidence and/or prevalence over time and/or by age group and gender.
Results
A total of 308 papers were critically appraised, of which 90 studies from 22 countries were included. Incidence data confirmed a clear bimodal age pattern in psoriasis onset, with the first and second peak at around 30‐39 and 60‐69 years of age, respectively, with evidence suggesting it presents slightly earlier in women than men. Whilst prevalence data showed an increasing trend with age until around 60 or 70 years, after which it decreases. Although there was lack of agreement on specific gender differences in psoriasis incidence and prevalence, a slight male predominance was reported in several studies. Studies worldwide suggested a stable or a slightly decreasing trend in psoriasis incidence, whilst an increasing trend in psoriasis prevalence has been consistently reported. One particular challenge faced was the vastly different methodologies used in the included studies, which contributed to some of the heterogeneity of the results.
Conclusions
Studies on changes over time in the occurrence of psoriasis have contributed to a greater appreciation of the increasing burden of the disease. However, further research is required to determine the reason driving the increase in psoriasis prevalence over time.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | British Journal of Dermatology |
| Early online date | 1 May 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 1 May 2020 |