Synopsis
A recent study indicates that individuals who faced childhood abuse, neglect, or domestic violence have a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis in adulthood. The research, conducted by the University of Birmingham, analyzed over 16 million health records to establish this link.Key Takeaways
- Childhood abuse increases risk of immune-related disorders.
- Significant findings for women compared to men.
- Study utilized a large database of 16 million records.
- First longitudinal study on this topic.
- Identified specific rates for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) Individuals who experienced abuse, neglect, or domestic violence during childhood face a higher likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis later in life, as revealed by a study published on Wednesday.
Scientists from the University of Birmingham utilized a Dexter software platform integrated with a database encompassing more than 16 million Electronic Health Records.
This software meticulously analyzed the records over a span of 26 years for medical codes related to immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs) and discovered that instances of childhood maltreatment correlated with escalated rates of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
The results, featured in the journal Communications Physics, indicated a considerable rise in risk for both conditions. Notably, the prevalence was observed to be more significant in women compared to men.
Dr. Liam Snook from the University of Birmingham stated, "To our knowledge, this is the first matched cohort longitudinal study exploring the link between childhood maltreatment and the onset of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders in adulthood."
The analysis identified 256,130 records indicating exposure to abuse (whether physical, sexual, or emotional), neglect, or domestic abuse before the age of 18, documented either by general practitioners or related to social services.
The control group comprised 712,478 records that were matched by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and GP practice.
The research team examined diagnostic codes for various immune-mediated inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, coeliac disease, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus from 1995 to 2021 across both cohorts.
The results indicated that those who experienced childhood maltreatment had a markedly higher risk for: rheumatoid arthritis: 11.19 per 100,000 patient years vs 7.77 per 100,000 patient years; and psoriasis: 152.79 per 100,000 patient years vs 128.74 per 100,000 patient years.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition that results in joint inflammation, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder characterized by red, scaly patches, stemming from an overactive immune response causing rapid skin cell proliferation.
