Concordance between treatment guideline and daily practice in the management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a cross-sectional web-questionnaire survey.

OBJECTIVES

To examine real-world clinical practices in the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) across Japan and evaluate concordance with national treatment guidelines.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted between 14 and 19 February 2024. Physicians from rheumatology, pulmonology, and neurology departments who had treated EGPA within the past 24 months were invited to complete a 17-item questionnaire. The survey assessed actual prescribing behaviour, future treatment preferences, responses to two clinical scenarios, and the frequency of guideline use.

RESULTS

Among 220 respondents (110 rheumatologists, 55 neurologists, and 55 pulmonologists), cyclophosphamide (77.3%) and mepolizumab (73.2%) were frequently used with glucocorticoids (GCs) for remission induction. GC monotherapy was the most commonly selected option overall (31.4%), but its use decreased to 14.8% for severe cases. GC + mepolizumab was the most frequently selected regimen for both maintenance and relapse. Responses to clinical scenarios revealed partial divergence from guideline-based recommendations, particularly regarding the limited use of immunosuppressants and the preferential use of mepolizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a modest but clear evidence-practice gap in EGPA management in Japan. Broader dissemination of updated guidelines and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration may help align clinical practice with evidence-based standards and improve patient care.