Sarcoidosis in Denmark 1980-1994. A registry-based incidence study comprising 5536 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To evaluate the incidence of sarcoidosis in Denmark 1980-1994.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis were identified from the Danish National Patient Registry. The file contained information about the year in which the diagnosis was reported, gender, age, and residential county.

RESULTS

5536 persons (2816 men) with sarcoidosis were registered. Median age in men was 38 years, in women 45 years. The male/female incidence ratio was 1.06. The incidence (per 100,000 person years) declined gradually from 8.1 in 1980-1984 to 6.4 in 1990-1994. The overall incidence in 1980-1994 was 7.2. Incidence rates 1980-1994 increased from eastern to western parts of Denmark: Zealand 5.7, Funen 6.8, and Jutland 8.4. The peak incidence in men occurred at 30-34 years of age (14.8). Women displayed two similar peak incidences at 25-29 years of age (10.5) and at 65-69 years of age (11.0).

CONCLUSION

Incidence rates in the present study are lower compared with previous mass-screening surveys showing an incidence rate of 13.8 (in persons examined). Peak incidences occurred at higher ages in both men and women. Previous surveys showed peak incidences at 20-25 years in men and at 25-30 years and 50 years in women. The overall incidence of sarcoidosis in Denmark ranges from 7-10 per 100,000 person years. With 5,500,000 residents, the expected number of new cases of sarcoidosis in Denmark is between 385 and 550 per year.