Epidemiology of Pertussis and Pertussis-Related Complications in Adults: A German Claims Data Analysis.

Introduction: Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It affects people of all ages, yet evidence of the impact of pertussis in adults with underlying conditions (UCs) is scarce. This study investigated the incidence and complication rate of pertussis in adult patients with and without UC.

Does uptake of specialty care affect HRQoL development in COPD patients beneficially? A difference-in-difference analysis linking claims and survey data.

Background: There is an evidence gap on whether the choice of specialty care beneficially affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study analyzes how newly initiated pulmonologist care affects the generic and disease-specific HRQoL in COPD patients over a period of 1 year.

Methods: We linked claims data with data from two survey waves to investigate the longitudinal effect of specialty care on HRQoL using linear Difference-in-Difference models based on 1:3 propensity score matched data.

Comparing outcomes of ILD patients managed in specialised versus non-specialised centres.

Background: Early appropriate diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) is crucial to slow disease progression and improve survival. Yet it is unknown whether initial management in an expert centre is associated with improved outcomes. Therefore, we assessed mortality, hospitalisations and health care costs of ILD patients initially diagnosed and managed in specialised ILD centres versus non-specialised centres and explored differences in pharmaceutical treatment patterns.

Effects of Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases: An Epidemiological Claims Data Analysis.

Vaccination is the most effective protection against influenza. Patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) represent a high-risk group for influenza complications. Thus, yearly influenza vaccination is recommended, but evidence on its effects is sparse.

Cost Effects of a Health Coaching in Children and Adolescents With Mental Health and Developmental Disorders.

Objective: Health coaching (HC) aims to strengthen the role of primary care pediatricians in the treatment of children and adolescents with mental health and developmental disorders by extending consultation time and using disease-specific manuals. We evaluated the effect of HC on costs of specialized, pediatrician, and overall care.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort study based on German health insurance claims data, we identified children aged up to 17 years with a newly diagnosed mental health and/or developmental disorder between 2013 and 2015.

Pirfenidone vs. nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Two antifibrotic drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are licensed for the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there is neither evidence from prospective data nor a guideline recommendation, which drug should be preferred over the other. This study aimed to compare pirfenidone and nintedanib-treated patients regarding all-cause mortality, all-cause and respiratory-related hospitalizations, and overall as well as respiratory-related health care costs borne by the Statutory Health Insurance (SHI).

Mixed-methods evaluation of a structured primary care programme for children and adolescents with mental health problems (PrimA-QuO): a study protocol.

Introduction: More than 17% of German children and adolescents have clinically relevant mental health problems (MHP). Typically, general paediatricians are often the first contact for children with MHP, and referrals to specialised care tend to be the standard approach. A statutory health insurance fund developed a programme for children with MHP (Health Coaching (HC)) aiming to offer targeted but low-threshold services.

Cost and survival of video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy versus open lobectomy in lung cancer patients: a propensity score-matched study.

Objectives: A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an accepted alternative to open thoracotomy (OT) in lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy, but evidence of the benefits of VATS remains inconsistent. The aim of this study was to compare VATS and OT regarding survival, costs and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Methods: We identified lung cancer patients (incident 2013) undergoing VATS or OT from German insurance claims data and performed 1:2 propensity score matching.