Incidence of psoriasis in children: A population-based study

Abstract

Background Although psoriasis is considered to have a “dual peak” in age of onset, currently no studies exist regarding the incidence of psoriasis in children. Objective The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of psoriasis in childhood. Methods A population-based incidence cohort of children aged <18 years first diagnosed with psoriasis between January 1, 1970 and December 31,1999 was assembled. The complete medical record of each child was reviewed and psoriasis diagnosis was validated by a confirmatory diagnosis in the medical record by a dermatologist or medical record review by a dermatologist. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and were age- and sex-adjusted to 2000 U.S. white population. Results The overall age and sex adjusted annual incidence of pediatric psoriasis was 40.8 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval 1: 36.6, 45.1). When psoriasis diagnosis was restricted to dermatologist confirmed subjects in the medical record, the incidence was 33.2 per 100,000 (95% CI: 29.3, 37.0). Incidence of psoriasis in children increased significantly over time from 29.6 per 100,000 in 1970 to 1974 to 62.7 per 100,000 in 1995-1999 (p<0.001). Chronic plaque psoriasis was the most common type (73.7%), and the most commonly involved sites were the extremities (59.9%) and the scalp (46.8%). Limitations The population studied was a mostly Caucasian population in the upper Midwest. Conclusion The incidence of pediatric psoriasis increases with increasing age. There is no apparent “dual-peak” in incidence. The incidence of pediatric psoriasis increased in recent years in both boys and girls.

Incidence, prevalence and mortality of patients with psoriasis: a U.K. population-based cohort study

“…Results from two earlier cross‐sectional studies in the U.S.A. suggested an increasing trend of incident cases of psoriasis over a 30‐year period both in children24 and in adults 25. The reasons behind the suggested increasing trend were unknown, but included a variety of potential explanations, among which were a true change in incidence of psoriasis, a change in the diagnosis patterns over time25 or an increase in risk factors for psoriasis such as obesity 24. Our findings relating to age of onset of psoriasis show a clear separation between incidence of early‐ and late‐onset psoriasis (‘type I’ and ‘type II’), corresponding to whether the diagnosis is made at ≤ 40 or > 40 years of age 26.…”

Pediatric dermatopathology: an overview

“…18 In pediatric poulation, skin biopsy may be applied for psoriasis in case of doubtful diagnosis. 26 Although the variety of vesiculobullous disorders seen in childhood is vast, most of these disorders are rare and they need histopathological assessment involving immunofluorescence examination. 27 The skin biopsies are taken from pediatric patients by incisional method after application of local anesthesia by pediatric dermatologists just after examination without a need for further appointment for this procedure.…”

Psoriatic Diaper Rash in a 6 Month Old West African Infant

“…Chronic plaquetype psoriasis is the most common form, consisting of large, welldemarcated, symmetrical, erythematous lesions with thick micaceous scale [6]. The most commonly affected sites are the extremities, scalp and trunk [7]. Guttate psoriasis in children accounts for between 13.7 and 28.9 % of paediatric psoriasis [8].…”