Demographic and Healthcare Service Utilization by 4,417 Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Publication date: Available online 6 October 2017
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Guy Shalom, Meir Babaev, Tamar Freud, Shmuel Tiosano, Nadav Pam, Amir Horev, Jacob Dreiher, Daniel A. Vardy, Doron Comaneshter, Arnon D. Cohen
BackgroundData on the healthcare utilization of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients in primary care settings are scarce.ObjectiveTo investigate the healthcare service utilization of patients with HS.Patients and methodsIn a cross-sectional study, HS patients were compared with two age- and gender-matched control groups—general population enrollees of Clalit Health Services and a group of patients with psoriasis. Healthcare services data included inpatient and outpatient community clinic visits and pharmacy claims for topical and systemic treatments. Multivariate analysis of the data for HS patients and controls was performed.ResultsThe study included 4,417 HS patients, 22,085 general population enrollees, and 4,417 patients with psoriasis. Based on multivariate analyses, HS patients had more annual dermatology clinic visits compared with the general population enrollees (OR 6.49, 95% CI 7.06–5.97) and psoriasis patients (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.44–1.21); more annual surgical clinic visits (OR 3.78, 95% CI 3.28–4.36; OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.42–1.91, respectively); and more hospitalizations (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.89–2.56; OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.28–1.78, respectively).LimitationsUnderestimation of HS frequency was possible.ConclusionsThe burden on healthcare systems of patients with HS is greater than that of psoriasis and the general population.

Teaser

What is already known on this topic?Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with increased burden of healthcare utilization.What does this article add to our knowledge?Patients with HS impose an increased burden on the healthcare system compared to patients with psoriasis and to the general population.How does this information affect clinical practice and/or change patient care?These results should encourage policy-makers and healthcare providers to explore more cost-effective treatments for HS patients.