Racial and ethnic disparities in ALS: a longitudinal electronic health records study.

Abstract

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and significant variability in care. Racial and ethnic disparities in ALS management and outcomes have been reported, but findings remain inconsistent.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate racial and ethnic disparities in ALS care, specifically differences in healthcare utilization, treatment patterns, and survival, within a large healthcare system.

Design: This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health records from a large healthcare system in Texas for patients diagnosed with ALS between 2013 and 2023, examining racial and ethnic differences in treatment and outcomes.

Methods: Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Baseline characteristics, including race/ethnicity and socioeconomic factors, were collected. Primary outcomes included the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV), tracheostomy, gastrostomy, mobility aids, and ALS medications; secondary outcomes included time to diagnosis and survival. Racial and ethnic disparities were assessed using generalized linear regression and Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Results: A total of 636 patients were included (74.5% Non-Hispanic White, 5.3% Non-Hispanic Black, 7.4% Hispanic, and 12.7% Other). Non-Hispanic Black patients had significantly higher tracheostomy rates than Non-Hispanic White patients (35.3% vs 8.7%; adjusted odds ratio (OR), 6.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.43-15.84). Hispanic patients had lower odds of receiving riluzole (42.6% vs 61.8%; adjusted OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18-0.71) and higher rates of emergency department visits (adjusted OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.09-3.65) and hospitalizations (adjusted OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.37-4.81). No significant racial or ethnic differences were observed in time to diagnosis or survival after adjustment.

Conclusion: Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in ALS care, particularly in tracheostomy utilization, medication prescribing, and healthcare access. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote equitable ALS management, including provider education and improved healthcare accessibility.