Background
Decubitus ulcers (DU) are a common pathology with significant morbidity and financial implications for health services globally. This study aims to compare the burden of DU across European Union (EU) 15+ countries between 1990-2017.
Methods
Age-standardised incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) rates per 100,000 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study online data repository for EU15+ countries (a group of 19 countries with comparable health expenditure, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia). Joinpoint regression analysis was used to describe trends.
Results
The incidence of DU increased between 1990-2017 in 15 of 19 EU15+ countries for both males and females. Mortality from DU decreased over the time period analysed in the majority of EU15+ countries: only in Denmark, Finland and Germany were increasing mortality rates observed. Decreasing DALY rates were generally observed, with the largest decreases observed in Ireland for males and females. Denmark and Germany were the only countries to demonstrate unfavourable trends in mortality, incidence and DALYs between 1990-2017 for males and females. The United States, the Netherlands and France were the only EU15+ countries in which improving disease burden was identified between 1990-2017 for all parameters assessed.
Conclusion
Incidence of DU is increasing in EU15+ countries, whereas mortality rates and DALYs are improving. The trends in disease burden in Denmark and Germany have followed contrasting and unfavourable trends. investigation into these trends is called for.