Prevalence and Medications of Atopic Dermatitis in Germany: Claims Data Analysis

Background: Information on the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) varies greatly, and so far, only a few studies describe the healthcare of patients with AD in Germany. Objective: The aim of the study is to describe the prevalence and medications of people with AD in Germany. Methods: Health insurance data for the year 2019 were examined. Prevalence rates, the severity of disease, comorbidities and pharmaceutical supply were analyzed. Insured persons with AD were identified with at least one outpatient or inpatient International Classification Code of Diseases (L20). Results: In 2019, 4.21% [95% CI 4.21-4.22%] of insured persons had AD (3.6 million). Women were affected slightly more frequently than men (4.74% [95% CI 4.73-4.74%] and 3.64% [95% CI 3.64-3.65%]). Adolescents and children under the age of 15 had the highest prevalence of AD compared to other age groups (9.44% [95% CI 9.42-9.46%]). Majority of the insured persons with AD were affected by a mild to moderate form of the disease. The most common co-morbidity was infections of the skin (RR 5.00 [95% CI 4.97-5.02%]). Some patients were treated by a dermatologist, while others by a general practitioner, 39.10% and 36.74%, respectively. Of the anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic glucocorticosteroids preparations were used most frequently and were most frequently prescribed by the general practitioner. With a total of 42,841 prescriptions (1.53%), methotrexate (third-line treatment option) was prescribed more frequently than ciclosporin with 19,628 prescriptions (0.70%) or azathioprine with 25,696 prescriptions (0.92%). Ciclosporin (first-line treatment option) was prescribed much more frequently by a dermatologist (44.00% versus 14.32% by general practitioner). The biological dupilumab was prescribed 30,801 times (1,10%) and was also primarily prescribed by a dermatologist (66.67%). Conclusion: The present results reveal that a specialist treats approximately one-third of the patients with AD and that there is still a drug undersupply in some cases, especially concerning innovative drugs.

Automated summary

In 2019, 4.21% of insured persons in Germany had AD, with women slightly more affected than men. Adolescents and children under 15 had the highest prevalence. Many patients had mild to moderate forms of the disease, with skin infections being the most common comorbidity. Treatment was mainly provided by dermatologists or general practitioners, with some drug undersupply especially for innovative drugs.