Dutch Multidisciplinary Guideline on Dupuytren Disease

Abstract

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the treatment for Dupuytren disease, specifically needle techniques, radiotherapy, primary conservative therapy, surgery, lipofilling, operative arthrolysis, salvage techniques, and the postoperative protocol and to make clinical recommendations for health care practitioners and patients.

Methods: Comprehensive multidisciplinary guideline process funded by the Quality Foundation of the Dutch Federation of Medical Specialists. This process included a development, commentary, and authorization phase. Patients participated in every phase. Multiple databases and existing guidelines up to August 2020 were searched. Studies on Dupuytren disease were considered eligible. Specific eligibility criteria were described per module. To appraise the certainty of the evidence, reviewers extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method, where applicable. Important considerations were as follows: patient values and preferences, costs, acceptability of other stakeholders, and feasibility of implementation. Recommendations were made based on the evidence from the literature and the considerations. The primary and secondary outcome measures were defined per module based on the input of patients obtained in collaboration with the Netherlands Patient Federation and health care providers from different professions.

Results: The following 8 specific modules were completed for Dupuytren disease: (1) needle techniques, (2) radiotherapy, (3) primary conservative therapy, (4) surgery, (5) lipofilling, (6) operative arthrolysis, (7) salvage techniques, and (8) the postoperative protocol.

Conclusions: Our Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Dupuytren disease provides 8 modules developed according to the standards of the Dutch Federation of Medical Specialists. Evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice are provided for needle techniques, radiotherapy, primary conservative therapy, surgery, lipofilling, operative arthrolysis, salvage techniques, and the postoperative protocol. This guideline can assist health care providers and patients in clinical practice.

Type of study/level of evidence: Systematic review/I-II.

Keywords: Dupuytren disease; Guideline.