Utilization and related harms of systemic glucocorticosteroids for atopic dermatitis: claims data analysis

Abstract Background and objectives Systemic glucocorticosteroids (SGCs) are used in the short-term treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), but are not recommended for long-term use since associated with severe side effects. This study aimed to characterize the utilization and potentially negative effects of SGC use for AD in German statutory health insurance (SHI) claims data. Patients and methods Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of a large nationwide SHI dataset. SGC drug prescriptions and incidences of predefined comorbidities after drug initiation known as potentially harmful side effects were analysed. The SGC use was quantified by 1) the number of quarters with at least one SGC prescription and 2) the defined daily doses (DDD). Adjustments in comparisons were made for age, gender and morbidity. Results The AD prevalence was 4.07% in 2020 (4.12% women, 3.71% men). During this period 9.91% of persons with AD were prescribed SGCs compared with 5.54% in persons without AD (p < 0.01). Prescribing of SGCs was significantly higher in women (10.20% vs.9.42% in men, p=<0.01) and the elderly. AD and sGC prevalence varied regionally. In a three-year follow-up period, 51% of persons with AD receiving a SGC were prescribed SGCs in > 1 quarter and 15% in > 6 quarters. The odds of developing osteoporosis (odds ratio 3.95 [approach 1] and 1.80 [approach 2]) and diabetes (odds ratio 1.90 [approach 1] and 1.38 [approach 2]) were significantly higher in people with AD on sGCS, especially in the frequently prescribed group compared with the rarely prescribed group, regardless of quantified use. Conclusion A considerable number of persons with AD in Germany are prescribed longterm SGCs. The onset of medical conditions known to be harmful effects from steroids was significantly more frequent in SGC “frequently prescribers”, indicating the need for optimized health care.