Castleman disease- demographics, associations, and outcomes: an analysis of adult 791 cases.

BACKGROUND: Castleman disease (CD), also known as angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia or large lymph node hyperplasia, is a rare medical condition. Despite its rarity, it exhibits diverse clinical presentations and outcomes, which pose challenges for comprehensive understanding and management. This study aims to shed light on the demographics, associations, and outcomes of CD by conducting a retrospective analysis.

METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (US) was used to identify patients with the diagnosis of Castleman disease using ICD-10 diagnosis code D47.Z2, during the years 2016-2019. Data was collected on demographics, associated diagnoses, treatments and outcomes. Data analysis was performed using STATA Version 17, College Station, TX: Stata Corp LLC.

RESULTS: Our study identified 791 hospitalizations involving adult CD patients. The mean age of these patients was 52.4 years, with a male predominance (56.1%). Whites comprised the largest racial group affected (50.1%). Most patients were covered by Medicare (39.6%). The majority received treatment in urban teaching hospitals (84.0%) and large-bed size facilities (62.5%). In-hospital mortality was low at 2.8%, with an average length of stay of 7.5 days and average total charges of $109,308. Common associations included acute kidney injury (27.0%), congestive heart failure (17.1%), sepsis (16.4%), and acute respiratory failure (12.6%). Hematological and lymphatic associations featured anemia (47.5%), thrombocytopenia (12.2%), and other conditions. Red blood cell transfusions were administered to 11.1% of patients.

CONCLUSION: This study contributes valuable insights into CD, a rare and clinically heterogeneous disease. It underscores the importance of recognizing its associations and complications. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research and improved diagnostic and treatment guidelines to address the complexity of this condition.