Epidemiology of Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease in which lung involvement is common. Its incidence and prevalence have been extensively studied, but with contradictory results because of the lack of standard diagnostic criteria, variations in the methods for detecting cases, and the low sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests. Prognosis is generally favorable. Many of those affected remain asymptomatic and remission often occurs spontaneously, although between 10% and 30% of the patients have chronic disease and permanent deterioration in lung function. Sarcoidosis is caused by an external agent that triggers a characteristic immune response in genetically susceptible individuals. Environmental, occupational, and genetic factors have all been implicated, but research is still in the early stages. Case-control studies, as well as advances in molecular biology, will help to identify genetic susceptibility factors and to understand the different phenotypes of sarcoidosis. Epidemiología de la sarcoidosisLa sarcoidosis es una enfermedad multisistémica que afecta frecuentemente al pulmón. Su incidencia y prevalencia han sido ampliamente estudiadas, pero la falta de estandarización del diagnóstico, los diferentes métodos de detección de casos y la escasa sensibilidad y especificidad de las pruebas diagnósticas explican los datos discordantes. El pronóstico es generalmente favorable. Gran parte de las personas afectadas no manifestarán nunca síntomas y muchas tienen remisión espontánea. El curso es crónico en el 10-30% de los casos, con un deterioro permanente de la función pulmonar. La enfermedad es el resultado de la acción de un agente externo que desencadena la respuesta inmunitaria característica en individuos genéticamente susceptibles. Se han implicado factores ambientales, ocupacionales y genéticos, pero las investigaciones están todavía en los inicios. Estudios de casos y controles, así como los avances en biología molecular, ayudarán a definir los factores de susceptibilidad genética y a entender los distintos fenotipos de la sarcoidosis.Palabras clave: Sarcoidosis. Epidemiología. Etiología.

Oral Lesion as the first Clinical Presentation in Sarcoidosis: A Case Report

“…10 Eye involvement presents as ocular iritis, iridocylitis associated with dryness and photophobia. 8 Some viral and bacterial infections such as mycobacteria, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus-8 have also been attributed to be causative factors of sarcoidosis. Functions of liver and spleen may be compromised.…”

“…Bone marrow involvement is also common but to a lesser extent in the jaw bones. 8,9,13 There are no specific tests for sarcoidosis. There is a genetic predisposition suggested by the presence of familial clusters in sarcoidosis.…”

“…In the USA, there is significant racial variation in the incidence rate, with 10-14 cases per 100,000 for Caucasians and 35.5-64 cases per 100,000 for African-Americans. 7,8 Case Report 8 There is a slightly higher incidence in females.…”

Características epidemiológicas de pacientes com sarcoidose na cidade do Rio de Janeiro

“…(1,4) Sarcoidosis affects all ethnic and age groups, being more common before the age of 50 years and being predominant in females. (7) The literature describes epidemiological, radiological, and biochemical differences, as well as different clinical manifestations and different therapeutic responses, in various ethnic groups. (4,(6)(7)(8) The highest prevalence of sarcoidosis is found in Sweden (121/100,000 population), (9) whereas Spain has the lowest rates in Europe.…”

“…(7) The literature describes epidemiological, radiological, and biochemical differences, as well as different clinical manifestations and different therapeutic responses, in various ethnic groups. (4,(6)(7)(8) The highest prevalence of sarcoidosis is found in Sweden (121/100,000 population), (9) whereas Spain has the lowest rates in Europe. (10) In the USA, the annual incidence rate ranges from 10.9/100,000 population to 35.5/100,000 population, being higher in African-Americans.…”