Home > Review Articles > Ethnicity data > Characteristics of sarcoidosis in Māori and Pacific Islanders

Characteristics of sarcoidosis in Māori and Pacific Islanders

Making Education Easy

Authors:
Summary:

This retrospective study examined medical data from 406 patients (mean age at presentation, 36 years) presenting with sarcoidosis to a specialist interstitial lung disease (ILD) clinic in New Zealand. Of the 69 patients with Māori or Pacific Island ethnicity, few had parenchymal lung involvement (21% Scadding stage 2, 2% stage 3), and none had extensive pulmonary fibrosis (stage 4). Computed tomographic imagery of sarcoid parenchymal lung involvement was less common amongst Māori or Pacific Island patients than among European patients. Ethnic groups did not differ as to baseline lung function or treatment requirements. Ocular and skin involvement was more commonly associated with Māori and Pacific Island ethnicity, whereas erythema nodosum occurred more frequently among Caucasian patients.

Comment:
We don’t know very much about sarcoidosis for Māori, despite anecdotal stories heard from whānau that it appears to be more prevalent and may be an important factor in the development of other disease (such as kidney failure or lung cancer). So although I’m pleased to see published research in this area, I thought the paper/research could be improved by using gold-standard ethnicity classification (Polynesian ancestry is not appropriate) and re-wording the conclusion to say that “there appear to be ethnic differences in presentation of sarcoidosis for people living in New Zealand”.
Reference: Respirology. 2016 Oct 12 [Epub ahead of print]
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

The adoption of ethical, culturally attuned research frameworks in epigenetics to support Māori health advancement

Ethnicity reporting in New Zealand-based randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is inadequate and non-standardised, according to

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.