Age, sex and type distribution of localized Scleroderma in patients referred to Boo-Ali Hospital in Tehran, 1995-99

Abstract

Background: There is no data on the characteristics of patients with localized scleroderma in Iran. Objective: In order to determine the age, sex and type distribution of localized scleroderma in Iran, this study was done on patients referred to Boo-Ali Hospital in Tehran in 1995-1999. Patients and Methods: This study was done as an existing data study on 39 patients with localized scleroderma referred to Boo-Ali Hospital in Tehran in 1995-1999. Age, sex, site, type of involvement, and age distribution of each type were recorded. Results: 39 patients with localized scleroderma referred to Boo-Ali Hospital in this period, including 9 male and 30 female patients so female/male ratio was 3/3. Most of the patients (48%) were in the age range of 20-40 years. 77.9% of female patients were in the age range of 10-40 years and 43.4% of male patients were in the first to fourth decade. 2.56% of the patients were younger than 10 years and most were boys. The most common sites of involvement were extremities, trunk, face and neck in order. The plaque type was the most common type but the linear type was seen more in perineal area. The plaque type was the most common type in children, as well. Conclusion: Age and sex distribution and sites of involvement in patients with localized scleroderma referred to Boo-Ali Hospital in Tehran were similar to other reports.