Burden of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in Europe
ERJ Open Research, 2024
Background and aims
Real-world evidence characterising the burden of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in Europe is limited. The aim of this study was to characterise patients in a large European EGPA cohort.
Methods
This retrospective, non-interventional, longitudinal study (GSK ID: 214661) recruited cross-specialty physicians from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK to conduct medical chart reviews for patients with a physician-confirmed diagnosis of EGPA. Patients were ≥12 years of age at diagnosis with ≥1 year of follow-up data from the first clinical visit with the physician (index date). Outcome measures collected from index date to end of follow-up included clinical manifestations and healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU).
Results
In total, 407 patient medical charts were reviewed by 204 physicians; median (interquartile range) duration of follow-up from index date was 2.2 (1.7-3.5) years. Most patients (73.5%) had asthma. Patients underwent multiple diagnostic assessments, and 74.9% received ≥3 different therapies between diagnosis and end of follow-up (98.8% oral corticosteroids, 63.9% immunosuppressive therapies, 45.5% biologics). During follow-up, 84.5% of patients experienced EGPA clinical manifestations; most were considered moderate or severe and commonly affected the lungs (55.8%; including lung infiltrates 25.8% and severe asthma 24.8%), ear, nose and throat (53.3%), and skin (41.8%). HCRU was substantial: 26.0% of patients made emergency department visits, 36.6% were hospitalised and 84.8% had outpatient visits.
Conclusions
These real-world data show that EGPA presents a substantial burden to patients and the healthcare system. Earlier and better differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment may help reduce incidence of clinical manifestations and HCRU.
Authors
Jakes RW, Kwon N, Huynh L, Hwee J, Baylis L, Alfonso-Cristancho R, Du S, Khanal A, Duh MS, Terrier B