Background. Incidence of psoriasis is variable and represents about 2% of the population in Europe and in Northern America. The aim of the study was to analyse epidemiological situation in patients with psoriasis, hospitalised in years 1994-1998. Methods. Using data accumulated at the 1st Dermatovenerologial clinic LF UK and FN, authors catamnestically selected information about patients hospitalised for psoriasis in years1994-1998. The age of patients, their sex, beginning of the disease, prevalence in the family, and clinical symptoms according the PASI score were evaluated. Results. In the followed period 720 patients with psoriasis were hospitalised (10,52 %), 461 males, 259 females. The average age was 42,33 years in males and 40,72 years in females. Psoriasis type I was diagnosed in 81,32 % of males and 76,56 % of females. Most frequently the disease started in the age of 15 to 19 years, the second maximum was between 45 to 49 years in both genders (18,65 % of males, 23,78 % of females). In 24,58 % the positive family anamnesis was reported. In 47,45 % it was the first degree of the genetic transmission. The disease was more frequently transmitted from the father’s side (68,36 % than the mother’s side (31,63%). In 22,59 % the overpass of generation was seen. Average value of PASI score was 40,22, which represents the heavy form of psoriasis. Conclusions. Epidemiologic analysis has shown the high prevalence and seriousness of the disease of the hospitalised patients with psoriasis. Beginning of the disease culminates during two periods of life, it is more frequently transmitted from the father’s side and it can overpass one generation both in vertical and horizontal line.

        Key words: psoriasis, epidemiology, genetical transmission.