The prevalence, burden of disease, and healthcare utilization of patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in Japan: a retrospective, descriptive cohort claims database study

Objectives To estimate eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) prevalence and disease burden in patients with newly diagnosed EGPA in Japan. Methods This retrospective descriptive cohort study (GSK ID: 209751, HO-18-19652) used administrative claim data from patients (aged <= 74 years) with EGPA (study period: January 1, 2005-December 31, 2017), identified from their first ICD-10 code for EGPA (index). Data were examined during the 12 months before (baseline) and 12 months following the index date (follow-up). EGPA prevalence, respiratory comorbidities, all-cause healthcare utilization, and oral corticosteroid (OCS) use were assessed. Results EGPA prevalence (95%CI) increased from 4.2 (0,23.7)/million people (2005) to 38.0 (31.8,45.1)/million people (2017), was generally more common in females versus males, and increased with age. Of the 45 patients with newly diagnosed EGPA, 57.8% had acute bronchitis and 42.2% had upper respiratory tract infections during baseline. During follow-up, 60.0% of patients were hospitalized at least once and 77.8% used OCS (OCS dependent [>= 80% of days]: 73.1%). Conclusions In Japan, EGPA prevalence increased over time, was generally more common in females, and increased with patient age. EGPA burden was high; respiratory comorbidities were common, and most patients required hospitalization and OCS use. Our data suggest additional EGPA treatment options are needed.

Automated summary

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and disease burden of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in Japan. The results showed an increasing prevalence of EGPA over time, with a higher incidence in females and older patients. EGPA patients often experience respiratory comorbidities, requiring hospitalization and oral corticosteroid use.