On epidemiology of congenital ichthyosis in Moscow

Abstract

Ichthyosis is an extensive group of hereditary skin diseases characterized by keratinization disorders of the type of hyperkeratosis, which leads to the formation of scales on the skin resembling fish scales. Of all hereditary diseases of keratinization, ichthyosis is the most common disease. In many countries, there are various support groups for patients with ichthyosis, in particular, the All-Russian Charity Foundation for Helping Children with Ichthyosis, the Children- Butterflies Foundation, the Public Organization Support for People with Ichthyosis (Russia), the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (USA), etc.Objective. To assess the dynamics of the incidence of congenital ichthyosis in the city of Moscow among the population of all age groups for 2015–2020, according to the data of the Moscow Scientific and Practical Centre for Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology (Russia).Materials and methods. Using federal statistical observation form No. 12 ‘Information on the number of diseases registered in patients living in the service area of a medical organization’, approved by the order of Rosstat No. 679 dated November 22, 2019, we analyzed the incidence of congenital ichthyosis in Moscow for 2015–2020.Results. Analysis of data on the incidence of congenital ichthyosis in the context of age groups of the population of the city of Moscow for 2015–2020 showed a trend towards an increase in the incidence of congenital ichthyosis. The increase in the incidence of ichthyosis was detected in almost all age groups of the city's population and was most pronounced in 2018 and 2019 in comparison with the previous time interval.Conclusions. The revealed increase in the incidence of congenital ichthyosis in Moscow may be due to both the true number of cases and the improvement in the quality and availability of primary specialized health care. An important trend is towards wider implementation in medical practice methods, which make it possible to identify a specific genetic defect, to carry out prenatal diagnostics during pregnancy, an intravital histological (pathological-anatomical) study of a skin biopsy, if necessary, differential diagnosis and verification of the diagnosis, as well as genetic counseling of parents, including to assess the birth of children with ichthyosis during pregnancy.