Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

There are different prevalence estimates for scleroderma among different world populations, with higher population estimates in the US than in Europe or Asia.[5]Mayes MD, Reveille JD. Epidemiology, demographics, and genetics. In: Clements P, Furst D, ed. Systemic sclerosis, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004:89-93. The incidence of scleroderma in the US is about 20 new cases per year per million adults. The prevalence of scleroderma is estimated at 250 per million US adults. Women are affected much more frequently than men, with a female-to-male ratio of about 5:1. Scleroderma is rare in childhood, is more common in young adults, and has a peak incidence in the 5th decade.[6]Helmick CG, Felson DT, Lawrence RC, et al. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States: part I. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Jan;58(1):15-25. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18163481?tool=bestpractice.com