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Burden of hidradenitis suppurativa in Germany: a retrospective claims data analysis and comparison with non-HS
Falk G Bechara1, Sima Melnik2, Tobias Möllers3
1Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Allergology, ICH - International Centre for Hidradenitis suppurativa/Acne inversa, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Background:
The aim of this analysis was to assess the burden of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in Germany.
Patients And Methods:
This was a retrospective German statutory health insurance claims data analysis covering the years 2020-2022 and 4.1 million individuals. An HS prevalence cohort and matched non-HS cohort representing the general population were analyzed regarding burden of disease indicators. An HS incidence cohort was analyzed regarding flare occurrences.
Results:
Adult HS patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities including a 3.58 (95% CI: 3.30; 3.85) higher prevalence for a mental/behavioral disorder due to tobacco, 2.72 (95% CI: 2.61; 2.83) for obesity, 2.56 (95% CI: 2.40; 2.73) for diabetes, 2.00 (95% CI: 1.86; 2.14) for pain and 1.69 (95% CI: 1.62; 1.76) for depression compared to matched non-HS individuals, respectively. HS patients aged ≥ 50 years had a numerically higher risk of death (risk ratio 1.57; 95% CI 0.96-2.17). Among deceased HS patients, the mean number of years of life lost ranged from 20.46 to 25.91 during the period 2020-2022. Finally, 24.4% experienced at least one HS flare requiring medical treatment within 24 months following their initial HS diagnosis.
Conclusion:
The results of this analysis reveal that HS patients experience a substantial burden of disease compared to non-HS patients.
