Characteristics, treatment patterns, health care resource utilization and costs in patients with bullous pemphigoid: A retrospective analysis of US health insurance claims data

Abstract

Real-world data describing the impact of incident bullous pemphigoid (BP) on patients and health care resource utilization (HCRU) are limited. To examine characteristics, treatment patterns, HCRU, and costs for incident BP. Retrospective analysis of 2015 to 2019 US health insurance claims for patients ≥18years with an incident BP diagnosis. Patients with BP were matched to those without on demographic and clinical characteristics. Statistics were descriptive. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was higher for patients with BP (n=1108) than without (n=4621) at baseline (mean [SD]: 3.3 [2.7] vs 2.8 [2.4]) and during follow-up (5.0 [4.9] vs 3.7 [3.0]). Hypertension, diabetes, skin ulcers, chronic pulmonary disease, dyslipidemia, sleep disorders, and congestive heart failure were higher with BP. Most patients with BP received antibiotics (>80%) and/or corticosteroids (>90%). Hospitalizations were more common (44.0% vs 17.1%) and monthly all-cause health care costs more than double ($3214 vs $1353) in patients with BP than without. Diagnoses were based on billing codes. HCRU claims data may not reflect the true number of encounters. Incident BP is associated with considerable morbidity, HCRU, and costs. More effective, targeted treatments are needed to improve quality of life, while minimizing exposure to systemic corticosteroids.