Categorization of Reasons for Hospitalizations in Patients With Cutaneous T‐Cell Lymphoma

ABSTRACT Background Cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL) can significantly impact patients' quality of life as well as impose a substantial healthcare burden due to their complex management and risk of hospitalization. Objectives This study aimed to identify factors associated with hospital admissions among patients with CTCL and to characterize the underlying causes of CTCL‐related hospitalizations. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of 273 patients diagnosed with CTCL at Tulane University Department of Dermatology between August 2012 and August 2022. Demographic characteristics, disease subtype and stage, and reasons for admissions were extracted from electronic health records. Hospitalizations related to CTCL were categorized as infection‐related, systemic, or treatment‐related. Results Of the 273 patients analyzed, the average number of hospitalizations was 3.3 with 16.8% ( n = 47) of patients having an admission related to CTCL. Treatment‐related complications accounted for 48.9% of CTCL‐related admissions, followed by infectious (40.4%), and systemic disease (10.7%). The predominant subtype was classic mycosis fungoides (75%) with the most patients being Stage 1A (30.4%) and Stage 1B (37.1%) on admission. Topical corticosteroids (48.7%) and bexarotene (40.7%) were the most frequently used therapies at the time of hospitalization. Three patients experienced progression to erythroderma during admission. Conclusions Improved outpatient monitoring, wound care, and patient education may help reduce hospitalizations related to CTCL. Further research across multicenter institutions can help guide interventions to enhance patient outcomes.