Epidemiology of pneumothorax: UK national primary care data (1995-2015)

Introduction: Spontaneous Pneumothorax (SP) is a common pathology. Incidence rates are quoted as 16-24 and 1.2-6 per 100,000 cases per annum for males and females respectively, based upon previous older, non-UK, studies. The aim is to determine the incidence and risk factors for recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax in a larger primary care dataset in England. Methods: The Health Improvement Network (THIN) national primary care database in UK was used to identify episodes of Spontaneous Pneumothorax from 1995-2015. Absolute numbers and incidences (per 1000,000 person years) were calculated, and logistic regression was used to estimate the relative odds of recurrence within one year. Results: u0026 Discussion: In 2015, the average annual incidence was 19.3 (95%CI 17.5-21.0) in males and 8.1 (7.9-9.3) per 100,000 females; these rates were largely static over 1995-2015. There are two distinct peaks of incidence. Absolute numbers of consultations were greatest in the 15-34 year age group, but incidence rates were highest in the over 65s (see Figure): Age-specific incidence rates were 16.7 (14.5-19.0) in the 15-34 year age group but 27.7 (24.1-31.3) per 100,000 in over 65 year olds. Odds of recurrence within 1 year for men 12.6% and women 11.8%; odds ratio 1.04 (p 0.34). Conclusions: Primary data recorded pneumothorax rates have remained largely static from 1995-2015. Pneumothorax is significantly more common in men than women (ratio 2.4), but recurrence rates are similar. Further analysis of risk factors for recurrence is required to identify those patients most at risk.