Publications by authors named "Melinda Pope"
Aim: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease associated with a substantial economic burden. This study aimed to assess the costs associated with SSc and to identify major cost drivers.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase to identify relevant studies.
Article Synopsis
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease affecting connective tissue, and the study aimed to evaluate its global prevalence and incidence from 2006 to 2016.
- The research involved systematically reviewing studies, resulting in the inclusion of 20 epidemiological publications, with prevalence rates varying significantly between regions, from 3.8 per 100,000 in Taiwan to 50 per 100,000 in the USA.
- Overall, the pooled prevalence of SSc was found to be 23 per 100,000, with higher incidence and prevalence rates in females, but the findings should be interpreted cautiously due to differing methodologies used in the studies.