Corticosteroid-Associated Adverse Events in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A US Claims Data Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a prevalent skin condition.
• Systemic corticosteroids are recommended as rescue therapy for CSU exacerbations.
• Real-world data on corticosteroid use, adverse events (AEs), and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in CSU patients are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate real-world systemic corticosteroid utilization patterns in CSU patients in the USA.
• To identify the incidence of AEs associated with systemic corticosteroid use in CSU patients.
• To assess the impact of systemic corticosteroid use on HCRU in CSU patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study utilizing the US HealthVerity claims database (January 2016-March 2023).
• Analysis included adult patients diagnosed with CSU.
• Patients were stratified into cohorts based on systemic corticosteroid supply duration (≤31 days, >31-≤60 days, >60 days, ≥90 days) and non-users.

Main Results:

• Corticosteroids were the most prescribed treatment (78.3%) for CSU, with 68.2% being systemic.
• Common AEs (hypertension, lipid disorders, anxiety, obesity, etc.) were more frequent in corticosteroid users vs. non-users.
• AEs and HCRU increased proportionally with longer systemic corticosteroid use duration.

Conclusions:

• CSU patients prescribed corticosteroids experienced higher rates of AEs and HCRU compared to non-users.
• Increased duration of systemic corticosteroid therapy in CSU patients is associated with more prominent AEs and HCRU.
• Findings highlight the importance of monitoring AEs and HCRU in CSU patients using systemic corticosteroids, especially for extended periods.