Abstract
Previous studies attempted to characterize the subjects with sarcoidosis according to differences in sex, age, and the presence of specific organ involvement. However, significant interactions among these factors precluded a clear conclusion based on simple comparison. This study aimed to clarify the age- and sex-stratified prevalence of specific organ involvement and the heterogenous nature of sarcoidosis. Using the data of 9,965 patients who were newly registered into a database at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan between 2002 and 2011, we evaluated the age- and sex-specific prevalence of the eye, lung, and skin involvement of sarcoidosis. We also attempted corresponding analysis considering multiple factors. As compared with several decades ago, the monophasic age distribution in men became biphasic, and the biphasic distribution in women, monophasic. The prevalence of pulmonary and cutaneous lesions was significantly associated with age, whereas the prevalence of ocular involvement showed a biphasic pattern. The prevalence of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy was significantly higher, whereas the prevalence of diffuse lung shadow was significantly lower, in subjects with ocular involvement than those without ocular involvement. Corresponding analysis visually clarified the complex interactions among factors. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the heterogeneous features of sarcoidosis.
Highlights
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology, and involves multiple organs
They showed a historical change in several clinical features of the disease over 50 years, such as an increase in female predominance and ocular involvement, and a decrease in bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL)
In 2004, almost all prefectures were using the digital system, but a few prefectures missed the entry to the center, which is the reason for the difference in the number of total
Summary
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology, and involves multiple organs. Due to the highly heterogeneous nature of the disease, the simple categorization of patients into two groups has inherent limitations, and the complex interactions among factors always need to be considered. In this regard, the detailed subtyping of patients using a large-scale survey is necessary to overcome this problem and clarify the characteristics of sarcoidosis. In Japan, there is a digital registration system of sarcoidosis under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Using this system, Morimoto et al conducted a survey on the epidemiology of histologically proven sarcoidosis that was newly diagnosed in 2004 (n = 1,027)[8]. We attempted to perform corresponding analysis considering multiple factors to better understand the complex and multidimensional nature of the disease
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
