Psoriatic arthritis in Japan increasing

[Fred]

This study set out to determine the current status of psoriatic arthritis in Japanese patients.

Quote:

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To determine the current status of psoriatic arthritis, we conducted a retrospective survey by sending questionnaires.

The newly visited psoriatic arthritis patients accounted for 10.5% (95% confidence interval, 7.9–13%) of all newly visited psoriasis patients (n = 2581) between April 2014 and March 2015 in 73 institutes. Additionally, questionnaires on detailed patients’ information were returned by 92 institutes (response rate, 70.8%), where 1282 patients with psoriatic arthritis were identified. There was a male predominance.

The mean onset age of psoriatic arthritis was 44.9 years, and mean onset age for cutaneous psoriasis (36.4 years) was lower than that for arthritis (45.1 years). The mean duration in patients who developed psoriasis prior to arthritis was 11.2 years, while that in patients preceded by arthritis was 4.4 years.

According to the Moll and Wright criteria, polyarthritis type was most common (36%), followed by distal interphalangeal type (26%) and oligoarthritis type (22%). Peripheral joint pain was 61.5%, back pain such as lumbago and neck pain was 34.3%. Enthesitis and dactylitis were observed in 28.3% and 59.2%, respectively.

Biologics were used in 55.5% of psoriatic arthritis patients, and 31% used disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

In conclusion, the ratio of psoriatic arthritis in Japan is increasing, and nearly 10% of new psoriasis patients had psoriatic arthritis. This study shows the current status of psoriatic arthritis in Japan, including several unexpected findings such as male predominance, longer duration between the onset of cutaneous psoriasis and arthritis, and dominance of polyarthritis.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Early view funding unknown.

[D Foster]

I have often dismissed the aspect of diet in P and PsA but looking at the figures from Japan gives you room for thought as over the last 50 years the diet in Japan has had more and more western food influence in the food that they are eating. Makes you think !!

[Fred]

I have often dismissed the aspect of diet in P and PsA but looking at the figures from Japan gives you room for thought as over the last 50 years the diet in Japan has had more and more western food influence in the food that they are eating.  Makes you think !!

That is an interesting point Dave. I'm not a believer in that diet can cure psoriasis though I do agree what we eat could make a difference, however it's not for me as I enjoy my food and drink.

But, and I will stand corrected if I'm wrong, don't the Japanese eat a lot of raw fish? We all know there are Omega in Fish, and if like you say the statistics are correct and they no longer eat as much raw fish then it could be something that the statisticians should look in to.