Objective: To determine the incidence and risk factors for macular amyloidosis.
Methods: 24,000 patients were assessed for the presence of macular amyloidosis. 120
patients were found to have MA. The diagnosis was based on clinical grounds. The
diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of skin biopsy in 30 randomly-
selected patients. Detailed medical history information was obtained and a thorough
physical examination was conducted for all patients in order to determine any
associated risk factors.
Results: The incidence of MA was 0.50%. 87.5% of patients were females with 7:1
female to male ratio. 82.0% of patients were in the age group of 20 to 50 years and the
mean age was 36.75 years. No other risk factors were found to be significantly
associated with MA.
Conclusion: MA is a relatively common disease within the Jordanian population.
Females are more prone to develop MA. Further studies are needed to address the
cause of high incidence of MA among females and in particular to assess any
hormonal role in the aetiology of this condition.
Key words: Macular amyloidosis, risk factors, incidence
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