Epidemiology of Systemic Sclerosis in a Large US Managed Care Population

Objective. To estimate the incidence and prevalence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a large US managed care organization (MCO) database.

Methods. Subjects with claims-based evidence of SSc (ICD-9-CM code 710.1x) were identified from a health plan database. Incidence and prevalence for the period 2003–2008 were calculated.

Results. The overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate (2003–2008) for SSc was 5.6 cases per 100,000 person-years. The annual prevalence of SSc ranged from 13.5 in 2003 to 18.4 (per 100,000) in 2008.

Conclusion. This analysis suggests a higher incidence and lower prevalence of SSc in this MCO than those previously reported for the United States.