Trends in All-cause Mortality among U.S. Veterans with Sarcoidosis, 2004-2022.

Abstract

Background: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic multiorgan disease with variable clinical outcomes. Comprehensive analysis of sarcoidosis mortality in U.S. Veterans is lacking.

Research questions: What are the trends in all-cause mortality among U.S. Veterans with sarcoidosis, and how are these trends influenced by demographics, Black vs. White racial disparities, and geographic variability in relation to mortality?

Study design and methods: Using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) electronic health records (EHR), we conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of adjusted all-cause mortality 2004-2022 among Veterans diagnosed with sarcoidosis who received care through the VHA. Demographics, region of residence, service branch, tobacco use, and comorbidities were extracted from EHR. Annual trends in all-cause mortality and patient-level characteristics associated with mortality were examined with multivariable ungrouped Poisson regression. We visualized trends and analyzed state-by-state mortality using the marginal means procedure. In subgroup analysis (2015-2022), we considered the impact of neighborhood-level socioeconomic disparities using the area deprivation index (ADI).

Results: In all, 23,745 Veterans were diagnosed with sarcoidosis between 2004 and 2019 and followed through 2022. After adjustment, including age and sex, all-cause mortality increased annually by 4.7% (P<0.0001) and was 6.4% higher in Black than White Veterans (mortality rate ratio=1.064, P=0.02). A subgroup analysis comparing models with and without ADI adjustment showed no meaningful change in mortality trends. Risk factors for increased all-cause mortality included older age, male sex, Black race, and Northeast residence, and lower risk with "Other" service branches. Despite distinct geographical variations in mortality rates, no clear patterns emerged.

Interpretation: Mortality among Veterans with sarcoidosis is rising. Differences identified by service branch and higher risk among male Veterans raise questions about differences in environmental exposures. The narrower racial disparities and smaller impact of ADI than in other studies may highlight the role of universal healthcare access in achieving equitable outcomes.