Prevalence estimates for pyoderma gangrenosum in the United States: An age- and sex-adjusted population analysis

Abstract Background Disease burden of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is poorly understood. Objective To determine standardized overall and age-, sex-, and race-specific prevalence estimates for PG among adults in the United States. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of PG patients (N = 1,971) identified using electronic health records data from a diverse population-based sample of over 58 million patients. Results The age- and sex-standardized prevalence of PG among the study population was 0.0058%, or 5.8 PG cases (95% CI 5.6-6.1) per 100,000 adults. Adjusted prevalence was nearly twice as high among women [7.1 cases (95% CI 6.7-7.5) per 100,000] than men [4.4 cases (95% CI 4.0-4.7) per 100,000]. Patients between the ages of 70-79 years had the highest standardized prevalence [9.8 cases (95% CI 8.8-10.9) per 100,000], with patients aged ≥50 years representing nearly 70% of all PG cases. Standardized prevalence was similar among Caucasian and African American patients. The female to male ratio of PG exceeded 1.8 across all age groups. Limitations Analysis of electronic health records data may result in misclassification bias. Conclusion PG is a rare disease that most commonly affects women and those aged ≥50 years.