Epidemiology, healthcare resource use, and mortality in patients with probable Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A population-based study on German health insurance data

ObjectiveThis retrospective study examined patients with probable Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) identified from German healthcare data.MethodsThis 10-year (2007–2016) assessed insurance claims information the Vilua Healthcare research database. A selection algorithm considering diagnoses and drug prescriptions LGS. To increase sensitivity of identification algorithm, two populations were defined: all LGS (broadly defined) only those a documented epilepsy diagnosis before 6 years age (narrowly defined). This specific criterion was used as typically has peak seizure onset between 3 5 years. Primary analyses prevalence demographics; secondary included costs, hospitalization rate length stay (LOS), medication use, mortality.ResultsIn final year study, 545 broadly defined (mean [range] age: 31.4 [2–89] years; male: 53%) identified. Using narrowly definition, number reduced to 102 7.4 [2–14] 52%). Prevalence 39.2 6.5 per 100,000 people. During 208 followed up for 1379 patient-years. The mean annual cost €22,787 patient-year (PPY); greatest costs attributable inpatient care (33%), home nursing (13%), (10%). Mean significantly greater prescribed rescue (45% patient-years) versus without (€33,872 vs. €13,785 PPY, p < 0.001). (standard deviation [SD]) 1.6 (2.0) PPY (SD) LOS 22.7 (46.0) days. Annual in who not (2.2 [2.3] 1.1 [1.6] different medications 11.3 (7.3) 33.8 (17.0) over entire observable time patient (OET); antiepileptic drugs accounted 2.1 (1.1) 3.8 OET. Over period, mortality higher than matched control population (six events [2.88%] one event [0.01%], 0.001).ConclusionAnnual incurred by Germany substantial, mostly care, medication. Patients not. had populations.