Epidemiological Characteristics of Psoriatic Disease in Peru From 2016 to 2023.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to estimate the incidence rate (IR) of psoriatic disease (psoriasis [PsO] and psoriatic arthritis [PsA]), including crude and age- and sex-standardized rates, in the Peruvian healthcare system.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was conducted using nationwide records (2016-2023) from the National Superintendence of Health (SUSALUD), encompassing both public and private sectors. IRs were calculated per 100,000 person-years (PY).

RESULTS

Among 195,866 PsO cases and 6786 PsA cases, overall IRs were 102.99 (95% CI 102.54-103.45) and 3.57 (95% CI 3.48-3.65) per 100,000 PY, respectively. Both conditions showed increasing trends from 2016 to 2023. PsO incidence peaked in adults aged ≥ 65 years (IR 300.46 per 100,000 PY) and was higher in male than female individuals (IR 130.04 vs 76.94 per 100,000 PY). Conversely, PsA demonstrated a bimodal age distribution, with an early peak at 40-44 years and a later, higher peak at 60-64 years, while maintaining a balanced sex distribution. Regional disparities were prominent; Lima-Callao reported the highest rates, whereas the Macro Central region had the lowest.

CONCLUSION

PsO and PsA IRs are rising in Peru, with notable demographic and regional variation. The lower incidence in the Andean macroregions may reflect a combination of healthcare access barriers and a protective genetic profile associated with Native American ancestry. These findings underscore the need for improved public health policies to address the growing demand for psoriatic disease care.