Burden of HPV-Related Hospitalization in Germany from 2000 to 2021

Abstract

HPV has been linked to the development of precancerous and cancerous lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the burden of HPV-related hospitalization in Germany from 2000 to 2021 and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on it. Methods: We performed a retrospective query using data from the German Statistical Office from 2000 to 2021, including hospital admission, inpatient mortality and hospital stay length data on cervical cancer/dysplasia, female genitourinary tract, anal, penile, head and neck cancers. Results: The HPV-attributable hospitalization rate per 100,000 inhabitants in Germany has decreased over time, from 89 cases in 2000 to 60 in 2021, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of −1.93 (CI −2.08–−1.79, p < 0.05). The same trend was observed for the average hospital stay, which declined from 9 to 7 days, with an AAPC of −1.33 (CI −1.52–−1.21, p < 0.05). An undulating but overall slightly declining pattern was observed for the inpatient mortality (AAPC −0.92, CI −1.21–−0.64, p < 0.05). We observed a reduction in the hospitalization rates for invasive and non-invasive cervical cancer, which was observed in almost all age groups and in all German federal states. Conclusion: Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the trends in HPV-related hospitalizations over the past two decades. The decline in hospitalization rates for cervical cancer and dysplasia suggests the potential efficacy of the HPV vaccination and screening programs.