A retrospective claims analysis of US pediatricians prescribing practices for the treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

Martina Cartwright, Tomoko Maeda-Chubachi*, Carolyn Enloe and Stephen Stripling

Introduction: Molluscum Contagiosum (MC), a common viral skin infection affects mostly children, is caused by Molluscipoxvirus. MC is characterized by flesh-colored, round, dome-shaped, umbilicated bumps. Pediatricians are often the first to diagnose MC. 

Objective: To examine US pediatrician’s MC treatment management using claims data. 

Methods: Syneos used the Compile Claims database to collect all medical and pharmacy claims for pediatric patients diagnosed with molluscum (ICD10 Code B081) in 2019-2020. Pediatric patients with a Molluscum (B081) claim from a pediatrician practice were calculated along with patients prescribed a prescription by the same pediatrician within 30 days of a molluscum claim. Practitioners were categorized as “wait and see,” “treater” or “referrer.” Frequency data were captured. 

Results: From 2019-2020, 260,788 molluscum patients ≤ 19 years were diagnosed by 56,026 healthcare providers. Pediatricians were responsible for a majority of molluscum diagnoses: 72% of patients (187,228) diagnosed by 35,017 pediatricians. Most pediatricians initially managed MC with a “wait and see” approach (91%). If a “wait and see” pediatrician initiated treatment, half managed by prescription, whereas “treaters” used in-office procedures (81%) and prescriptions (23%). Mupirocin (45%) and triamcinolone (23%) were preferred prescriptions.

Conclusion: Mupirocin and triamcinolone were likely used to treat signs of inflammation indicative of MC resolution known as Beginning of the End (BOTE) sign. Neither are FDA approved for MC nor antiviral; mupirocin use without secondary bacterial infection may contribute to resistance. Newly approved MC indicated therapies should be considered and a better understanding of BOTE is essential to distinguish MC resolution from secondary infection. 

Keywords:

Published on: Jun 4, 2024 Pages: 45-49

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/ojpch.000057
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