Epidemiology
Most epidemiological studies of prevalence use radiographic chondrocalcinosis (also known as cartilage calcification) as a surrogate for clinical CPPD. This is estimated to capture only about 40% of articular CPPD.[8] Nonetheless, these studies show a dramatic increase in CPPD with age, from 15% in those aged 65-74 years, to 44% in the population aged >84 years in the US.[9] In the UK, the prevalence of cartilage calcification associated with knee pain was 4.5%, with a strong age association.[10] Similarly, the presence of cartilage calcification was noted as 6.7% in Saudi Arabians >60 years of age and was reported as common among Arabs in the Gulf region.[11][12] However, the prevalence of knee and wrist cartilage calcification was seen to be much lower in Chinese than in white Americans, and to be extremely low in older Chinese men and women.[13] Familial clusters of CPP arthritis have been described worldwide, and one study suggests there may be less chondrocalcinosis in Chinese populations.[13] CPP arthritis has no clear sex predilection.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer