Dupuytren’s contracture: the status and impact of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum treatment in Austria

摘要

Background Over many decades, the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease, a fibroproliferative disease of the hand, is the centre of various studies and publications. Surgical intervention has always been the method of choice, with fasciectomy being today’s state of the art. Nevertheless, researchers also focused on conservative non-operative treatment methods of which collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) turned out to be very promising. With the release of CCH under the name Xiapex in 2010, its use increased steadily. The aim of this work is to survey the current state of the treatment with CCH and the status of Xiapex treatment in Austria. Methods On behalf of the Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Graz, a questionnaire was sent out to departments and doctors in Austria that are treating Dupuytren’s disease. Based on this expert interrogation data concerning treating patterns, complications, outcome, etc. has been collected. Results The questionnaires were sent out since February 2016 and were evaluated until January 2017. Every single participant considered Xiapex to play an ‘integral part’ in the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease. According to 85%, the treatment of the MCP joint provides the highest success rate. Eighty-five percent indicated a faster return to work for patients being treated with collagenase than for those undergoing surgery. Conclusion The present work indicates a positive perception of treating patients suffering from Dupuytren’s disease with collagenase Clostridium histolyticum, respectively, Xiapex. It depicts this technique to be a widely accepted treatment method and a promising alternative to surgery. However, the call for further research is still present.