Validation of a Case-Finding Algorithm for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Using Administrative Coding from a Clinical Database

Abstract

Background: Requisite to the application of clinical databases for observational research in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is the identification of an accurate case cohort.

Objective: To assess the validity of utilizing administrative codes to establish the HS cohort from a large clinical database.

Methods: In this retrospective study using chart review as the reference standard, we calculated several estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of at least 1 ICD-9 code for HS.

Results: Estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of at least 1 ICD-9 code for HS include sensitivity 100% (95% CI 98-100), specificity 83% (95% CI 77-88), positive predictive value 79% (95% CI 72-85), negative predictive value 100% (95% CI 98-100), accuracy 90% (95% CI 86-93), and kappa statistic 79% (95% CI 73-86).

Conclusion: The case-finding algorithm employing at least 1 ICD-9 code for HS provides balance in achieving accuracy and adequate power, both necessary in the evaluation of a less common disease and its potential association with uncommon or even rare events.

Keywords: Accuracy; Case; Cohort; Database; Hidradenitis suppurativa; Positive predictive value; Sensitivity; Specificity; Validation.