Trends in Initial Hospitalizations of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Sjogren's Disease in Poland Between 2012 and...

Background/Objectives: Sjögren's disease (SjD) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting exocrine glands, often leading to systemic complications and comorbidities. While SjD is known to impact quality of life, research on hospitalization trends, demographic characteristics, and factors influencing hospital stay duration remains limited. This study aims to analyze hospitalizations due to SjD in Poland between 2012 and 2023, identifying key trends, risk factors, and healthcare implications. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the National General Hospital Morbidity Study, covering 13,999 first-time hospitalizations with an SjD diagnosis (ICD-10: M35.0). Descriptive statistics were applied to evaluate patient demographics, hospitalization trends, and comorbidities. The Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used to compare groups, while a linear regression model identified predictors of hospital stay duration. Results: Women accounted for 90.3% of hospitalizations, with a median age of 57 years, compared to 53 years for men. The hospitalization rate fluctuated over time, with a decline in 2020, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an increase in 2021-2023. The most common comorbidities included musculoskeletal disorders (17.8%), cardiovascular diseases (16.6%), and endocrine disorders (13.6%). Women had longer hospital stays than men (median 5 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001). Older patients and those admitted in emergency settings had significantly longer hospital stays. The overall mortality rate was low (0.2%), with a slightly higher but statistically insignificant mortality rate among men. Conclusions: The study highlighted the increasing burden of SjD-related hospitalizations and the need for improved outpatient management to reduce inpatient admissions. Factors such as older age, female sex, and emergency admissions were associated with prolonged hospitalization. Strengthening early diagnostic strategies, optimizing access to specialist care, and monitoring comorbidities could enhance patient outcomes and reduce hospital resource utilization.