ELDER TIP Primary osteoarthritis is strongly associated with aging, and indeed aging may predispose to the cartilage degeneration common in persons with osteoarthritis.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Septic arthritis:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
In most cases of septic arthritis, bacteria spread from a primary site of infection — usually in adjacent bone or soft tissue — through the bloodstream to the joint. Common infecting organisms in children are group B Streptococcus and Haemophilus influenzae. Adults are usually infected by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus (pneumonia), and group B Streptococcus, whereas chronic septic arthritis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans.
Various factors can predispose a person to septic arthritis. Any concurrent bacterial infection (of the genitourinary or the upper respiratory tract, for example) or serious chronic illness (such as malignancy, renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes, or cirrhosis) heightens susceptibility. Consequently, elderly people and those who abuse I.V. drugs run a higher risk of developing septic arthritis. Of course, diseases that depress the immune system and immunosuppressive therapy increase susceptibility. Other predisposing factors include recent articular trauma, joint arthroscopy or other surgery, intra-articular injections, and local joint abnormalities.
Septic arthritis may be seen at any age in children, but it occurs most often in children younger than age 3. It’s uncommon from age 3 until adolescence, at which time the incidence increases again.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Psoriasis:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The tendency to develop psoriasis is genetically determined. Researchers have discovered a significantly higher-than-normal incidence of certain human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) in families with psoriasis, suggesting a possible immune disorder. Onset of the disease is also influenced by environmental factors. Trauma can trigger the isomorphic effect or Koebner’s phenomenon, in which lesions develop at sites of injury. Infections, especially those resulting from beta-hemolytic streptococci, may cause a flare of guttate (drop-shaped) lesions. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, endocrine changes, climate (cold weather tends to exacerbate psoriasis), and emotional stress.
Generally, a skin cell takes 14 days to move from the basal layer to the stratum corneum, where, after 14 days of normal wear and tear, it’s sloughed off. The life cycle of a normal skin cell is 28 days, compared with only 4 days for a psoriatic skin cell. This markedly shortened cycle doesn’t allow time for the cell to mature. Consequently, the stratum corneum becomes thick and flaky, producing the cardinal manifestations of psoriasis.
Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the population in the United States, and incidence is higher in whites than other races. Although this disorder is most common in young adults, it may strike at any age, including infancy.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Psoriasis:
Psoriasis - epidemiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
- No gender predilection
- Onset of psoriasis is bimodal, commonly presenting in the third decade with a smaller second peak of onset in the 6th decade; however, it can present at any age, with a mean age of onset in children of 8.1 years.
- Earlier onset is associated with more severe disease.
Psoriasis - prevalence
Psoriasis is universal in occurrence, but the prevalence varies in different populations. The average prevalence in the US is estimated at 1–3%.
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Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
Septic Arthritis:
Septic Arthritis - epidemiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
- Predominant age: 2–6 years, adolescent (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
- Predominant sex: Male > Female, 2:1
- Predominantly large joints affected: Knee, hip, elbow, ankle
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Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
About prevalence and incidence statistics:
The term 'prevalence' of Psoriatic Arthritis usually refers to the estimated population
of people who are managing Psoriatic Arthritis at any given time.
The term 'incidence' of Psoriatic Arthritis refers to the annual diagnosis rate,
or the number of new cases of Psoriatic Arthritis diagnosed each year.
Hence, these two statistics types can differ:
a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence,
but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence.
For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
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