Epidemiological disparities in pulmonary sarcoidosis between public and private healthcare sectors in haute-Garonne department (France)

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder that affects mediastinal and pulmonary structures in nearly 90% of cases. Given the high prevalence of respiratory involvement, pulmonologists are crucial in managing the disease, from diagnosis through to follow-up. In France, epidemiological data on sarcoidosis are limited, despite notable regional and international variations in the incidence and prevalence of the disease.

Materials and methods: The SARCOPIDEMIO study is a prospective, multicenter observational study designed to estimate the incidence and prevalence of pulmonary sarcoidosis in the Haute-Garonne department (France). A total of 55 pulmonologists, representing both hospital-based and private practices, were invited to participate.

Results: A total of 172 patients were included in the analysis. The minimal and estimated prevalence rates were determined to be 14.8 to 29.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. The incidence rate was 3.6 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Histological confirmation of granuloma was obtained in approximately 78% of the patients. Half of the patients received corticosteroid therapy, while one-quarter were treated with second-line immunosuppressive agents. The distribution of patients between public and private sectors was relatively balanced; however, multisystemic clinical presentations and the need for treatment were more frequently observed in hospital settings.

Conclusion: The epidemiological data on pulmonary sarcoidosis from the Haute-Garonne department are relatively with those previously reported in France. Although sarcoidosis is a rare disease, its management is shared by all pulmonologists in our region.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Healthcare organization; Sarcoidosis.