Characterisation and burden of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a European retrospective study

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare vasculitis of the small-to-medium-sized vessels and is often characterised by lung and skin damage. Limited information is available on the clinical manifestations of EGPA and treatment patterns for patients with EGPA in Europe. <b>Aims:</b> To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment patterns for patients with EGPA in Europe. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective chart review study included patients ≥12 years of age with a confirmed EGPA diagnosis and ≥1 year of follow-up data (first physician encounter: Jan 2015–Dec 2019). It was conducted using a panel of 204 physicians in 5 European countries. Clinical manifestations, treatment patterns and EGPA-related healthcare resource use (HCRU) were assessed. <b>Results:</b> Of the 407 patients included, 57% were male, 94% were ≥18 years of age, the mean (SD) age of EGPA diagnosis was 43 (14.9) years, 46% had 4–6 diagnostic assessments and the most common comorbidities were asthma (73%) and vasculitis (48%). Post diagnosis, 75% of patients received ≥3 distinct EGPA therapies (mean [SD] number: 3.9 [1.8]), 99% used OCS and 64% used immunosuppressive/other therapies. During follow-up, the mean (SD) number of distinct clinical manifestations reported was 4.0 (3.8); 26% of patients reported ≥6 manifestations. Overall, 37% of patients had an EGPA-related hospitalisation, 26% an EGPA-related ER visit and 85% an EGPA-related outpatient visit. <b>Conclusions:</b> The data suggest a substantial disease burden and HCRU associated with EGPA for European patients and demonstrate the need for strategies to optimise EGPA diagnosis and management. <b>Funding:</b> GSK [GSK ID: 214661]