Incidence, prevalence, and mortality of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease in Korea: a nationwide, population-based study (2006–2015)

Background: The epidemiology of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease varies among ethnic populations worldwide. Trends in the incidence of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease have not been investigated based on the Korean National Health Insurance database. Objectives: This study investigated the incidence and mortality of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease by age using nationwide population data in Korea. Methods: A nationwide population-based cohort study was performed using the Korean National Health Insurance Claims Database from 2006 to 2015. The incidence of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease was calculated by age, sex, calendar year and habitat. And comorbid metabolic diseases were also analysed in patients with Adamantiades-Behçet's disease. Results: The annual incidence of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease per 100 000 person-years was 3.976 (2.587 for males and 5.373 for females) from 2006 to 2015. The incidence of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease peaked among people in their 40s (6.561 per 100 000 person-years). Incidence was significantly higher in subjects with comorbid metabolic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia. The mortality rate per 1000 person-years increased with age in patients with Adamantiades-Behçet's disease. Conclusions: This study showed the incidence, prevalence and mortality of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease. Metabolic conditions increased the risk of Adamantiades-Behçet's disease among Koreans.