Poison Ivy Dermatitis Treatment Patterns and Utilization: A Retrospective Claims-based Analysis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Poison ivy dermatitis (TD) affects millions annually, leading to significant healthcare utilization.
• An estimated 43,000 emergency department visits occur yearly for TD.
• Systemic corticosteroid prescription practices may influence healthcare outcomes in TD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of systemic corticosteroid prescription practices on healthcare utilization outcomes in patients with TD.
• To analyze trends in TD treatment and identify factors associated with return visits.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a 2017-2018 health claims database for patients treated for TD.
• Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were employed to characterize treatment trends and identify risk factors for return visits.

Main Results:

• Shorter duration oral corticosteroid prescriptions (1-13 days) were associated with a 30% increased risk of return visits.
• Initial treatment in the emergency department (ED) compared to primary care was linked to a higher likelihood of return visits.
• Over 86% of oral corticosteroid prescriptions were for durations shorter than the recommended 14 days.

Conclusions:

• Most emergency clinicians prescribe oral corticosteroids for TD durations shorter than the recommended 14 days.
• Shorter treatment durations are associated with increased return visits, suggesting undertreatment.
• Emergency clinicians should consider 2-3 week courses of systemic steroids for TD to potentially reduce healthcare utilization, especially for severe cases presenting to the ED.