Global Epidemiology of Psoriasis: A Systematic Review of Incidence and Prevalence

Abstract

The worldwide incidence and prevalence of psoriasis is poorly understood. To better understand this, we performed a systematic review of published population-based studies on the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis. Three electronic databases were searched from their inception dates to July 2011. A total of 385 papers were critically appraised; 53 studies reported on the prevalence and incidence of psoriasis in the general population. The prevalence in children ranged from 0% (Taiwan) to 2.1% (Italy), and in adults it varied from 0.91% (United States) to 8.5% (Norway). In children, the incidence estimate reported (United States) was 40.8/100,000 person-years. In adults, it varied from 78.9/100,000 person-years (United States) to 230/100,000 person-years (Italy). The data indicated that the occurrence of psoriasis varied according to age and geographic region, being more frequent in countries more distant from the equator. Prevalence estimates also varied in relation to demographic characteristics in that studies confined to adults reported higher estimates of psoriasis compared with those involving all age groups. Studies on the prevalence and incidence of psoriasis have contributed to a better understanding of the burden of the disease. However, further research is required to fill existing gaps in understanding the epidemiology of psoriasis and trends in incidence over time.

Burden of chronic urticaria relative to psoriasis in five European countries

“…One such condition is PsO, which is considered one of the serious global diseases by the World Health Organisation (WHO) 19. PsO is a chronic, non‐communicable, painful, disfiguring and disabling dermatological disease with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients 19.…”

“…PsO is a chronic, non‐communicable, painful, disfiguring and disabling dermatological disease with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients 19. The prevalence of PsO ranges between 1.5% and 5% in most developed countries 19. Among PsO patients, 71% of the PsO patients have mild PsO and 27% of PsO patients have moderate–severe PsO, remaining 2% could not be catagorized 20.…”

“…Reported annual total cost per PsO patient was €8372 in Italy and €2866–6707 in Germany 22. PsO contributes to 0.04% of the total global DALY, which is twice the global average DALYs for acute hepatitis C 19. In Germany, mean working days lost per year due to a PsO patient were 4.9 23.…”

Safety and efficacy of adalimumab treatment in Japanese patients with psoriasis: Results of SALSA study

“…Prevalence rates of psoriasis vary from 0.7% to 2.9% in Europe and the USA, compared with rates below 0.5% in Asia 2. The annual incidence of psoriasis in Japan was estimated to be 0.34% in 2011 3.…”

Effect of tofacitinib withdrawal and re‐treatment on patient‐reported outcomes: results from a Phase 3 study in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis

“…Psoriasis is a chronic, immune‐mediated disease affecting 1–9% of the global population 1. There are several treatment options available for moderate to severe psoriasis that can provide improvements in clinical assessments of skin symptoms [e.g.…”