Epidemiology: solving the jigsaw puzzle

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a rare, clinically heterogeneous disease, making the identification of a single aetiological candidate challenging. Epidemiological research into the aetiology of sarcoidosis has been hampered by variability of case definition, heterogeneity of organ involvement, and numerous other variables. The global burden of sarcoidosis is not fully appreciated as there is considerable geographic variability including numerous countries for which there are no data. While sarcoidosis can strike at any age, recent data support a later onset of disease, with the average age ranging from 46 to 51 years and an increasing percentage of cases occurring after age 65 years. Data also suggest that prolonged exposure to an infectious agent or inorganic antigen may not be required to trigger an immunological cascade, further complicating efforts to establish associations between sarcoidosis and complex environments. Taken together, these findings provide a knowledge base for future discovery.

Publication Title

Ers Monograph

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