Burden of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis in Europe

Abstract

BackgroundReal-world evidence characterising the burden of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in Europe is limited.ObjectiveTo characterise patients in a large European EGPA cohort.MethodsThis retrospective, non-interventional, longitudinal study recruited cross-specialty physicians from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom 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).ResultsIn 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.ConclusionsThese 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.