Prevalence of Dupuytren’s disease in Groningen

Dupuytren’s disease is a fibroproliferative disease of the palmar fascias of the hand, which gives rise to the formation of nodules and cords and often leads to the development of contractures of the fingers. Prevalence of Dupuytren’s disease and possible risk factors for the disease have been the subjects of several studies, however, information on this in the Netherlands is lacking. To enhance our knowledge, we performed a cross-sectional study on marketplaces spread in the province of Groningen. Of 500 participants, aged 37 to 94 years, both hands were examined for signs of Dupuytren’s disease and a questionnaire was conducted to identify potential risk factors. The relation between the disease and these risk factors was estimated using Pearson χ2 test and potential confounding factors were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Of all participants, 15% had clinical signs of Dupuytren’s disease; 19.6% in males and 10.4% in females (P = 0.004) and prevalence increased with rising age up to 32% in age category 70-79 years. The majority of patients had a mild form of the disease and the ring finger was the most frequently affected ray. In men diabetes was significantly correlated with the presence of the disease (P = 0.007). No relation between smoking or alcohol consumption and Dupuytren’s disease could be proven. The findings of this study show that Dupuytren’s disease is common in the general population in the province of Groningen. Male gender, age and a positive family history were statistically significant risk factors. Diabetes proved to be a risk factor in males. Influence of the potential risk factors smoking and alcohol consumption could not be proven.