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

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the incidence rate of psoriatic disease (psoriasis [PSO] and psoriatic arthritis [PSA]), both crude and age- and sex-standardized from the Peruvian healthcare system. A secondary data analysis was conducted using nationwide records (2016-2023) from the National Health Superintendence (SUSALUD), encompassing both public and private sectors. Incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 person-years (py). Evaluating 195,866 PSO and 6,786 PSA cases, the overall incidence rates were 102.99 (95% CI 102.54-103.45) and 3.57 (95% CI 3.48-3.65) per 100,000py, respectively. Both conditions displayed increasing trends from 2016 to 2023. PSO incidence peaked in adults ≥65 years (300.46) and showed male predominance (130.04 vs. 76.94 in females). 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 recorded the lowest. PSO and PSA incidence rates are rising in Peru, presenting notable demographic and regional variations. The lower incidence in the Andean macro-regions may reflect a combination of healthcare access barriers and a protective genetic profile inherent to Native American ancestry. These findings emphasize the need for improved public health policies to address the growing demand for psoriatic care.