Direct Medical Costs Research Articles

Cost consequence analysis of adding semaglutide to treatment regimen for patients with Type II diabetes in Saudi Arabia

IntroductionSemaglutide, a Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA), is often prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, particularly in cases unresponsive to other hypoglycemic agents. Despite its popularity, the real-world efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Semaglutide relative to other treatments remain understudied. ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the direct medical cost and consequences of adding Semaglutide to the treatment regimen for patients with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia. MethodsWe conducted a single-center, retrospective review of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) for adults with type 2 diabetes. Patients who had been on Semaglutide for at least three months were matched with those receiving alternative hypoglycemic therapies. Exclusions were made for patients with cancer, incomplete EMRs, or lacking prescription data. Investigated outcomes included changes in HbA1C levels and weight, and the direct costs comprised medications, clinic visits, and emergency care. Baseline adjustments were made through inverse probability treatment weighting, and uncertainty was assessed via bootstrapping with 10,000 replications. ResultsOut of 350 patients meeting the criteria, 116 were on Semaglutide. Predominantly females (62%), the cohort had an average age of 60 and a disease duration of 22 years. The difference in HbA1C (%) reductions between Semaglutide and non-Semaglutide users over 3,6, and 12 months were 0.154 (95% CI: –0.452-0.483), –0.031(95% CI: –0.754-0.239), –0.16(95% CI: –1.425-0.840), respectively. Semaglutide users did experience modest weight reductions ranging from 0.42 kg to 1.16 kg. The annual additional direct medical cost for Semaglutide was USD 4,086.82 (95% CI: $3,710.85 - $4,294.99). ConclusionAlthough Semaglutide induced modest weight reductions, it did not offer significant advantages in lowering HbA1C levels compared to other hypoglycemic treatments. These findings suggest the need for further research involving larger and more diverse cohorts to corroborate these findings.

The financial and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth with eating disorders, their families, clinicians and the mental health system: a mixed methods cost analysis

BackgroundThe onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on children, youth, and families with eating disorders (EDs). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing personal and financial costs to youth, caregivers, and health professionals accessing or delivering ED services. The objectives of this mixed methods study were to (1) understand the indirect, direct medical and non-medical costs reported by youth, caregivers, and clinicians; (2) understand how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted these costs, and (3) explore implications of these costs with regards to barriers and resources to inform future decisions for the ED system of care.MethodsYouth (aged 16–25 years) with lived/living experience, primary caregivers, clinicians, and decision-makers were recruited with support from various partners across Canada to complete group specific surveys. A total of 117 participants responded to the survey. From those respondents, 21 individuals volunteered to further participate in either a discussion group or individual interview to provide additional insights on costs.ResultsYouth and primary caregivers reported costs relating to private services, transportation and impacts of not attending school or work. Additionally, primary caregivers reported the top direct medical cost being special food or nutritional supplements (82.8%). In discussion groups, youth and caregivers elaborated further on the challenges with long waitlists and cancelled services, impact on siblings and effect on family dynamics. Clinicians and decision-makers reported increased work expectations (64.3%) and fear/isolation due to COVID-19 in the workplace (58.9%). Through discussion groups, clinicians expanded further on the toll these expectations took on their personal life. Approximately 1 in 3 health professionals reported contemplating leaving their position in 1–2 years, with greater than 60% of this group stating this is directly related to working during the pandemic.ConclusionsFindings demonstrate the need for increased support for youth and caregivers when accessing ED services both during crisis and non-crisis times. Additionally, attention must be given to acknowledging the experience of health professionals to support better retention and resource management as they continue to navigate challenges in the health care system.

THE COST OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA TREATMENT IN CHILDREN USING COMBINED CHEMOTHERAPY AND IMMUNOTHERAPY: COMPARISON OF ESTIMATED AND REAL VALUES

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer. The effectiveness of modern therapy protocols makes it possible to cure over 80% of children, and one of the advanced treatment methods is the use of monoclonal antibodies. Using the example of adult patients in the United States, the economic effectiveness of this innovative treatment strategy was proven, while no similar studies have been conducted in children with primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The aim of the study was to determine the real cost of therapy for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia according to the protocol using combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy at the stages of induction and consolidation. Materials and methods. The study included data from 54 patients (the study group) who received therapy using this method, taking into account indicators of direct medical and non-medical costs. The control group included 54 patient models corresponding to the initial estimated parameters when planning the protocol (body weight 30 kg, body surface area 1 m2). Research results. The median of real cost for providing medical care to one patient in the study group was 22% lower than the estimated cost. In its structure, the values of the median costs for inpatient stay, for instrumental and laboratory studies, as well as for drug therapy turned out to be lower. Since younger patients were included in the study group, the cost of drug therapy was recalculated to the calculated patient model, which equalized the median cost of drug therapy for the study and control groups. In a situation with equal characteristics of patients, as well as with the same cost of a day of inpatient stay, the median real cost of providing medical care to one patient in the study group corresponded to the estimated values. Conclusions. The median cost of medical care for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia according to the protocol using combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy in the study group was 22% lower than the estimated values. The actual practice of using the protocol for an average patient model with an equal cost of inpatient stay fully corresponded to the estimated values of the protocol.

Is convenience really king? Comparative evaluation of catastrophic costs due to tuberculosis in the public and private healthcare sectors of Viet Nam: a longitudinal patient cost study

BackgroundIn Viet Nam, tuberculosis (TB) represents a devastating life-event with an exorbitant price tag, partly due to lost income from daily directly observed therapy in public sector care. Thus, persons with TB may seek care in the private sector for its flexibility, convenience, and privacy. Our study aimed to measure income changes, costs and catastrophic cost incurrence among TB-affected households in the public and private sector.MethodsBetween October 2020 and March 2022, we conducted 110 longitudinal patient cost interviews, among 50 patients privately treated for TB and 60 TB patients treated by the National TB Program (NTP) in Ha Noi, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. Using a local adaptation of the WHO TB patient cost survey tool, participants were interviewed during the intensive phase, continuation phase and post-treatment. We compared income levels, direct and indirect treatment costs, catastrophic costs using Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-squared tests and associated risk factors between the two cohorts using multivariate regression.ResultsThe pre-treatment median monthly household income was significantly higher in the private sector versus NTP cohort (USD 868 vs USD 578; P = 0.010). However, private sector treatment was also significantly costlier (USD 2075 vs USD 1313; P = 0.005), driven by direct medical costs which were 4.6 times higher than costs reported by NTP participants (USD 754 vs USD 164; P < 0.001). This resulted in no significant difference in catastrophic costs between the two cohorts (Private: 55% vs NTP: 52%; P = 0.675). Factors associated with catastrophic cost included being a single-person household [adjusted odds ratio (aOR = 13.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36–138.14; P = 0.026], unemployment during treatment (aOR = 10.86; 95% CI: 2.64–44.60; P < 0.001) and experiencing TB-related stigma (aOR = 37.90; 95% CI: 1.72–831.73; P = 0.021).ConclusionsPersons with TB in Viet Nam face similarly high risk of catastrophic costs whether treated in the public or private sector. Patient costs could be reduced through expanded insurance reimbursement to minimize direct medical costs in the private sector, use of remote monitoring and multi-week/month dosing strategies to avert economic costs in the public sector and greater access to social protection mechanism in general.

Multimorbidity healthcare expenditure in Belgium: a 4-year analysis (COMORB study)

BackgroundThe complex management of health needs in multimorbid patients, alongside limited cost data, presents challenges in developing cost-effective patient-care pathways. We estimated the costs of managing 171 dyads and 969 triads in Belgium, taking into account the influence of morbidity interactions on costs.MethodsWe followed a retrospective longitudinal study design, using the linked Belgian Health Interview Survey 2018 and the administrative claim database 2017–2020 hosted by the Intermutualistic Agency. We included people aged 15 and older, who had complete profiles (N = 9753). Applying a system costing perspective, the average annual direct cost per person per dyad/triad was presented in 2022 Euro and comprised mainly direct medical costs. We developed mixed models to analyse the impact of single chronic conditions, dyads and triads on healthcare costs, considering two-/three-way interactions within dyads/triads, key cost determinants and clustering at the household level.ResultsPeople with multimorbidity constituted nearly half of the study population and their total healthcare cost constituted around three quarters of the healthcare cost of the study population. The most common dyad, arthropathies + dorsopathies, with a 14% prevalence rate, accounted for 11% of the total national health expenditure. The most frequent triad, arthropathies + dorsopathies + hypertension, with a 5% prevalence rate, contributed 5%. The average annual direct costs per person with dyad and triad were €3515 (95% CI 3093–3937) and €4592 (95% CI 3920–5264), respectively. Dyads and triads associated with cancer, diabetes, chronic fatigue, and genitourinary problems incurred the highest costs. In most cases, the cost associated with multimorbidity was lower or not substantially different from the combined cost of the same conditions observed in separate patients.ConclusionPrevalent morbidity combinations, rather than high-cost ones, made a greater contribution to total national health expenditure. Our study contributes to the sparse evidence on this topic globally and in Europe, with the aim of improving cost-effective care for patients with diverse needs.

Evaluation of Immunobiological Cold Chain Costs

Background and Purpose:Studies assessing the costs of the immunobiological cold chain (CC) are scarce. Therefore, the factors that influence the allocation of resources in this process are not known. The objective of this study is to determine the cost of the immunobiological CC.Methods:The Health Economic Assessment study was carried out in Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2021 and 2022. The unit of analysis was the municipal level of the CC. The perspective of the Public Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) was considered as a funder, the year 2021 was considered as the time frame, and the period of 1 year was considered as the time horizon of the analysis. Direct medical, nonmedical, and indirect costs were included. A mixed technique was used involving micro- and macrocosting and sensitivity analysis to identify the influence of the main categories on the final cost.Results:The total cost was USD 20,014,545, with nonmedical direct costs being the most representative (61.24%). Human resources were the most influential items, representing 76.43% of the total cost.Conclusions:The most influential items should be those of greatest concern and planned by managers to make the CC more efficient.

Costs attributable to hypercholesterolemia in a single period and over the life cycle.

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease leading to reduced (healthy) life years. The aim of this study is to quantify the societal costs associated with hypercholesterolemia. We use epidemiologic data on the distribution of cholesterol levels as well as data on relative risks regarding ischemic heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The analytical approach is based on the use of population-attributable fractions applied to direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs using data of Austria. Within a life-cycle analysis we sum up the costs of hypercholesterolemia for the population of 2019 and, thus, consider future morbidity and mortality effects on this population. Epidemiologic data suggest that approximately half of Austria's population have low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels above the target levels (i.e., are exposed to increased risk). We estimate that 8.2% of deaths are attributable to hypercholesterolemia. Total costs amount to about 0.33% of GDP in the single-period view. In the life-cycle perspective, total costs amount to €806.06 million, €312.1 million of which are medical costs, and about €494 million arise due to production loss associated with hypercholesterolemia. The study points out that significant shares of deaths, entries into disability pension and care allowance, full-time equivalents lost to the labor market as well as monetary costs for the health system and the society could be avoided if LDL-C-levels of the population were reduced.

Out-of-pocket expenditure among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in a tertiary care hospital of south India: A cross-sectional study.

Diabetic foot ulcer is a debilitating complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus. Patients lose their earning potential, face repeated hospitalizations, and are forced to bear heavy treatment costs. This places an enormous financial burden on the patients and their families. This study seeks to ascertain the out-of-pocket expenditure among these patients and correlate it with their risk factor profile. In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, a total of 154 patients with diabetic foot ulcers or amputations have been studied with an elaborate patient questionnaire and relevant clinical examinations. The costs incurred and the risk factors of the patients were analyzed for statistical association. The median total annual out-of-pocket expenditure for the management of diabetic foot ulcers among the study participants was found to be ₹29 775 (₹9650-₹81 120) ($378.14 [$122.56-$1030.22]). Out of the total expenditure, 58.49% went towards direct medical costs, 5.64% towards direct non-medical costs, and 35.88% for indirect costs. Medications, ulcer dressing and periodic debridement have accounted for 79.26% of direct medical costs. Transportation (61.37%) and patient's loss of income (89.45%) account for the major costs under the direct non-medical and indirect cost categories, respectively. A high ulcer grade and area, long ulcer duration, and past history of ulcers have higher expenditure. Patients seeking treatment from private establishments and those engaged in professional/skilled occupations have higher expenses. Adequate dressing of foot ulcers and proper footwear are associated with lower treatment expenditure. 68.8% of the participants have faced catastrophic expenditure due to treatment costs of diabetic foot ulcers. Adequate glycaemic control and proper foot care are necessary. Patients must seek medical care at the earliest in case of foot ulceration. Clinicians must provide proper wound care, institute effective antibiotics, and manage the complications. Government and insurance schemes are required to alleviate the patients' financial burden.

A cluster-randomized study to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) tool in South Tyrolean primary care for patients with COPD, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure: the ABCC South Tyrol study

BackgroundChronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure, often coexist and contribute to a significant burden on individuals and health systems. The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) tool, already in routine clinical use in the Netherlands, aims to comprehensively assess and visualize disease burden, stimulate self-management, and encourage shared decision-making. This study aims to validate the German and Italian versions of the ABCC tool and evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in the South Tyrolean Primary Care setting.MethodsThis is a cluster-randomized study involving approximately 400 patients with COPD, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure who received care from the South Tyrolean General Practices. Initially, the ABCC tool will be translated into German and Italian and validated. Subsequently, half of the participants will use the validated ABCC tool for patient-reported outcome measurement assessments, while the other half will receive usual care. The primary outcome measure is the change in the patients’ perception of the quality of care after 18 months. The secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life, self-management behavior, and healthcare utilization. The missing data will be managed using multiple imputations. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis that considers the direct medical costs reimbursed by the National Health Service will be conducted.DiscussionThis study provides insights into the application, validation, and efficacy of the ABCC tool in the South Tyrolean healthcare context. The tool’s potential to enhance person-centered care, improve the quality of life, and possibly reduce healthcare costs could greatly contribute to sustainable healthcare. The challenges of implementation, such as software integration and the use of an EU data platform, will provide lessons for future international patient care data management.Trial registrationISRCTN registry, ISRCTN13531607. Registered on August 23, 2023.

Health and Economic Value of Eliminating Socioeconomic Disparities in US Youth Physical Activity

There are considerable socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in youth physical activity (PA) levels. For example, studies show that lower-SES youth are less active, have lower participation in organized sports and physical education classes, and have more limited access to PA equipment. To determine the potential public health and economic effects of eliminating disparities in PA levels among US youth SES groups. An agent-based model representing all 6- to 17-year-old children in the US was used to simulate the epidemiological, clinical, and economic effects of disparities in PA levels among different SES groups and the effect of reducing these disparities. Anthropometric measures (eg, body mass index) and the presence and severity of risk factors associated with weight (stroke, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or cancer), as well as direct and indirect cost savings. This model, representing all 50 million US children and adolescents 6 to 17 years old, found that if the US eliminates the disparity in youth PA levels across SES groups, absolute overweight and obesity prevalence would decrease by 0.826% (95% CI, 0.821%-0.832%), resulting in approximately 383 000 (95% CI, 368 000-399 000) fewer cases of overweight and obesity and 101 000 (95% CI, 98 000-105 000) fewer cases of weight-related diseases (stroke and coronary heart disease events, type 2 diabetes, or cancer). This would result in more than $15.60 (95% CI, $15.01-$16.10) billion in cost savings over the youth cohort's lifetime. There are meaningful benefits even when reducing the disparity by just 25%, which would result in $1.85 (95% CI, $1.70-$2.00) billion in direct medical costs averted and $2.48 (95% CI, $2.04-$2.92) billion in productivity losses averted. For every 1% in disparity reduction, total productivity losses would decrease by about $83.8 million, and total direct medical costs would decrease by about $68.7 million. This study quantified the potential savings from eliminating or reducing PA disparities, which can help policymakers, health care systems, schools, funders, sports organizations, and other businesses better prioritize investments toward addressing these disparities.

Economic issues of treating patients with stage 5D chronic kidney disease by dialysis methods of renal replacement therapy in Ukraine: a single-center study

Background. The aim of the work was to determine the cost of treating patients with stage 5D chronic kidney disease (CKD) by dialysis methods of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in 2023 based on the analysis of the costs of using hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in one medical institution. Materials and methods. An open single-center study was conducted at the Кyiv City Center of Nephrology and Dialysis. During 2023, 779 patients with stage 5D chronic kidney disease received renal replacement therapy by dialysis methods in this institution. Among them, 718 participants were treated by hemodialysis and 61 patients by peritoneal dialysis (36 by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 25 by automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)). Direct medical and non-medical costs were included in the calculation of the cost of treating chronic kidney disease patients using both dialysis methods. The estimate of the cost of treatment for one patient during the year was calculated according to the formula: when using hemodialysis/hemodiafiltration (HDF) method — the cost of 1 session × 156 sessions, in case of CAPD/APD — the cost of 1 treatment day × 365 days. Results. The analysis of the costs for the treatment of patients with stage 5D CKD allowed us to state that the average cost of one HD/HDF session in 2023 was 3,626.20 UAH, one day of CAPD and APD treatment was 1,539.78 and 1,829.12 UAH, respectively. The average cost of treatment of one patient by HD/HDF method during 2023 was 565,687.20 UAH, CAPD — 562,019.70 UAH, APD — 667,628.80 UAH. In the structure of the cost of treatment, regardless of the modality of RRT, the most expensive component is the cost of consumables. State reimbursement under the Program of Medical Guarantees in 2023 for the treatment of one patient with stage 5D CKD during the year was 385,788 UAH when using GD/GDF, 412,085 UAH for CAPD, 662,110 UAH for APD. That is, based on the data we received, the Program of Medical Guarantees covers only 68.2 % of the costs of medical institution for the treatment with HD/HDF, 73.3 % for the treatment with CAPD and almost 100 % for the treatment with APD. Conclusions. The real cost of treating patients with stage 5D CKD using dialysis methods of RRT is higher than the rate of state reimbursement. The Program of Medical Guarantees doesn’t fully cover the costs of medical institutions for the treatment of patients with stage 5D CKD using RRT methods. CAPD has indisputable advantages in terms of both medical and economic benefit. In addition, the advantage of using CAPD over other dialysis modalities during the war is the absence of dependence on water and electricity supply, the number and workload of medical personnel, the need for patients to constantly visit the dialysis center.

The Humanistic and Economic Burden Associated with Major Depressive Disorder: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating and costly condition. This analysis characterized the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health care resource utilization (HCRU), and costs between patients with versus without MDD, and across MDD severity levels. The 2019 National Health and Wellness Survey was used to identify adults with MDD, who were stratified by disease severity (minimal/mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe), and those without MDD. Outcomes included HRQoL (Short Form-36v2 Health Survey, EuroQol Five-Dimension Visual Analogue Scale, utility scores), HCRU (hospitalizations, emergency department [ED] visits, health care provider [HCP] visits), and annualized average direct medical and indirect (workplace) costs. A subgroup analysis was conducted in participants with MDD and prior medication treatment failure. Participant characteristics and study outcomes were evaluated using bivariate analyses and multivariable regression models, respectively. Cohorts comprised 10,710 participants with MDD (minimal/mild = 5905; moderate = 2206; moderately severe = 1565; severe = 1034) and 52,687 participants without MDD. Participants with MDD had significantly lower HRQoL scores than those without (each comparison, P < 0.001). Increasing MDD severity was associated with decreasing HRQoL. Relative to participants without MDD, participants with MDD reported more HCP visits (2.72 vs 5.64; P < 0.001) and ED visits (0.18 vs 0.22; P < 0.001) but a similar number of hospitalizations. HCRU increased with increasing MDD severity. Although most patients with MDD had minimal/mild to moderate severity, total direct medical and indirect costs were significantly higher for participants with versus without MDD ($8814 vs $6072 and $5425 vs $3085, respectively, both P < 0.001). Direct and indirect costs were significantly higher across all severity levels versus minimal/mild MDD (each comparison, P < 0.05). Among patients with prior MDD medication treatment failure (n = 1077), increasing severity was associated with significantly lower HRQoL and higher total indirect costs than minimal/mild MDD. These results quantify the significant and diverse burdens associated with MDD and prior MDD medication treatment failure.

Value of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) testing in advanced cancer patients

Aims: The availability of targeted therapies for oncology patients is increasing. Available genomic tests to identify treatment-eligible patients include single gene tests and gene panel tests, including the whole-exome, whole-transcriptome OncoExTraTM test. We assessed the costs and clinical benefits of test choice. Methods: A Microsoft Excel-based model was developed to evaluate test choice in patients with advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Treatment pathways were based on NCCN guidelines and medical expert opinion. Inputs were derived from published literature. Annual economic results and lifetime clinical results with OncoExTra testing were projected per-tested-patient and compared with single gene testing and no testing. Separately, results were estimated for a US health plan without the OncoExTra test and with its use in 5% of patients. Results: Compared with no genomic testing, OncoExTra test use increased costs by $4,915 per patient; however, 82%-92% of individuals across tumor types were identified as eligible for targeted therapy or a clinical trial. Compared with single gene testing, OncoExTra test use decreased costs by $9,966 per-patient-tested while increasing use of approved or investigational targeted therapies by 20%. When considering a hypothetical health plan with 1 million members, 858 patients were eligible for genomic testing. Using the OncoExTra test in 5% of those eligible, per-member per-month costs decreased by $0.003, ranging from cost-savings of $0.026 in NSCLC patients to a $0.009 increase in prostate cancer patients. Cost-savings were driven by reduced treatment costs with increased clinical trial enrollment and reduced direct and indirect medical costs associated with targeted treatments. Conclusions: Limitations include the required simplifications in modeling complex conditions that may not fully reflect evolving real-world testing and treatment patterns. Compared to single-gene testing, results indicate that using NGS test such as OncoExTra identified more actionable alterations, leading to improved outcomes and reduced costs.

The cost-effectiveness of zuranolone versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of postpartum depression in the United States

Aims The objective of this research is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of zuranolone, the first oral treatment indicated for postpartum depression (PPD) in adults approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Methods Zuranolone and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) trial-based efficacy was derived from an indirect treatment comparison. Long-term efficacy outcomes were based on a large longitudinal cohort study. Maternal health utility values were derived from trial-based, short-form 6-D responses. Other inputs were derived from literature and economic data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. We estimated costs (2023 US dollars) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for patients with PPD treated with zuranolone (14-day dosing) or SSRIs (chronic dosing). The indirect costs and QALYs of the children and partners were also estimated. Results The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for zuranolone versus SSRIs was $94,741 per QALY gained over an 11-year time horizon. Maternal total direct medical costs averaged $84,318 in the zuranolone arm, compared to $86,365 in the SSRI arm. Zuranolone-treated adults averaged 6.178 QALYs compared to 6.116 QALYs for the SSRI arm. Costs and utilities for the child and partner were also included in the base case. Drug and administration costs for zuranolone averaged $15,902, compared to $30 for SSRIs over the studied time horizon. Results were sensitive to the model time horizon. Limitations As head-to-head trials were not available to permit direct comparison, efficacy inputs were derived from an indirect treatment comparison which can be confounded by cross-trial differences. The data used are reflective of a general PPD population rather than marginalized individuals who may be at a greater risk for adverse PPD outcomes. The model likely excludes unmeasured effects for patient, child, and partner. Conclusions This economic model’s results suggest that zuranolone is a more cost-effective therapy compared to SSRIs for treating adults with PPD.

Clinical and economic burden of systemic lupus erythematosus in Colombia

Aims Our cost-of-illness (COI) model adopted payer and societal perspectives over five years to measure the economic burden of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Colombia. Materials and methods A prevalence-based model was constructed to estimate costs and economic consequences for SLE patients in Colombia. The model included four health states: three phenotypes of SLE representing mild, moderate, and severe states and death. The clinical inputs were captured from the published literature and validated by the Delphi panel. Our model measured direct medical and indirect costs, including disease management, transient events, and indirect costs. One-way sensitivity analysis was also performed. Results The number of Colombian SLE patients was 37,498. The number of SLE patients with mild, moderate, and severe phenotypes was 5343, 28757 and 3,397, respectively. SLE-patients with moderate (Colombian pesos; COP 146 billion) and severe phenotypes (COP276 billion) incurred higher costs than those with mild phenotypes (COP2 billion), over 5 years. The total SLE cost in Colombia over five years from the payer and societal perspectives was estimated to be COP 915 billion and 8 trillion, respectively. The costs per patient per year from the payer and societal perspectives were COP 4,881,902 ($3,510) and COP 46,637,054 ($33,528), respectively. Conclusion The burden of SLE in Colombia over five years is substantially high, mainly due to the consequences of economic loss because it affects women and men of working age, in addition to the costs of SLE management and its consequences, such as flares, infection, and organ damage. Our COI indicated that disease management costs among patients with moderate and severe SLE were substantially higher than those among patients with a mild phenotype. Therefore, more attention should be paid to limiting the progression of SLE and the occurrence of flares, with the need for further economic evaluation of novel treatment strategies that help in disease control.

Microsimulation model of the cost-effectiveness of anifrolumab compared to belimumab in the United Arab Emirates

Introduction SLE imposes a significant morbidity and mortality as well as a substantial burden on the healthcare system. The model aimed to measure the cost-effectiveness of anifrolumab implementation against belimumab as an add-on-therapy to the standard of care (SoC) over a lifetime horizon for Emirati patients. Methodology A microsimulation model was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of anifrolumab against belimumab (IV/SC) as an add-on therapy to SoC in a hypothetical cohort of adult Emirati patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) over a lifetime horizon. The clinical data was captured from published clinical trials as; TULIP-1, TULIP-2, BLISS-52, BLISS-76 and BLISS‐SC. Health utility scores were constructed according to a linear regression model from the pooled data of the two TULIP Phase III trials of anifrolumab. Our model captures direct SLE-related medical costs from the Dubai Health Authority. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess model uncertainty. Results Using BICLA as a response criterion in the Johns Hopkins cohort, anifrolumab was found to be more effective than belimumab (IV/SC; the incremental discounted QALY of anifrolumab against belimumab was 0.42). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of anifrolumab against belimumab IV and belimumab SC were AED 466,371 ($209,135) and AED 252,612 ($113,279), respectively, these ICERs are below the cost-effectiveness threshold in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (three times gross domestic product capita; AED 592,278). In the Toronto lupus cohort, the ICER of anifrolumab against belimumab IV and belimumab SC were AED 491,403 ($220,360) and AED 276,642 ($124,055), respectively (anifrolumab was a cost-effective option vs. belimumab IV and belimumab SC). Conclusion The addition of anifrolumab to SoC is a cost-effective option versus belimumab for the treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive SLE, despite being allocated to SoC. Cost-effectiveness was demonstrated by a reduction in complications and organ damage, which reflected costs and outcomes.

Economic burden of systemic lupus erythematosus in Malaysia

Introduction Our cost-of-illness (COI) model adopted the perspective of both payer and society over a time horizon of 5 years to measure the economic burden of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Malaysia. Methodology Our COI model utilized a prevalence-based model to estimate the costs and economic consequences of SLE in Malaysia. The clinical parameters were obtained from published literature and validated using the Delphi panel. Direct and indirect medical costs were measured, including disease management, transient events, and indirect costs. One-way sensitivity analysis was also performed. Results The number of target Malaysian patients with SLE in the COI model was 18,121. At diagnosis, the numbers of SLE patients with mild, moderate, and severe phenotypes were 2,582, 13,897, and 1,642, respectively. The total SLE cost in Malaysia over 5 years from both payer and society perspectives was estimated at MYR 678 million and 2 billion, respectively. The results showed a considerable cost burden due to productivity losses resulting from SLE-related morbidity and mortality. Over a 5-year time horizon, the costs per patient per year from the payer and society perspectives were MYR 7,484 ($4766) and 24,281($15,465), respectively. Conclusion Our study demonstrated the substantial economic burden of SLE in Malaysia over a time horizon of 5 years. It affects adults of working age, in addition to the costs of SLE management and its consequences, such as flares, infection, and organ damage. Our COI model indicated that disease management costs among patients with higher disease severity were higher than those among patients with a mild phenotype. Hence, more attetion should be paid to limiting the progression of SLE and the occurrence of flares, with the need for further economic evaluation of novel treatments that could lead to better outcomes.

Economic aspects of the cardiology program expansion of additional drugs provision by effective lipidlowering drugs for hypercholesterolemia control

The federal program of preferential drug provision in cardiology shows its effectiveness. However, hypercholesterolemia (HCH) remains a significant problem in patients in whom high-dose statin therapy does not provide the target level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). The solution to the problem lies in the plane of prescribing lipid-lowering drugs of a different mechanism of action, for example, inhibitors of the PCSK9 enzyme. To recommend the inclusion of such kind drugs in the program, it is necessary not only to have evidence of their life-saving effect, but also the economic feasibility of their use. Aim: to evaluate the economic efficacy of alirocumab (INN) including in the federal program for patients who have suffered an acute coronary event, are receiving statins and have an LDL CH level of 5.0 mmol/l and higher.Materials and methods. Modeling was applied in a target group of 3029 patients of working age who had undergone ACS during the previous 12 months with severe, including familial, HCH, with LDL cholesterol 5.0 mmol/l and higher, receiving statins taking into account previously determined outcomes when using alirocumab + statins for 5 years. Direct medical and non-medical costs, as well as indirect costs, are identified. The cost-effectiveness analysis was applied from the point of view of the effectiveness of treatment (effects on mortality, temporary disability, disability) and direct health care costs (additional drug provision and outpatient follow-up, specialized, including high-tech, medical care in a 24‑hour hospital). Two healthcare technologies were compared: statin therapy and use of alirocumab + statins. The calculations used according to domestic methods used the cost of medical treatment, temporary disability, hospitalizations, loss of GDP and other parameters.Results. Modeling has shown a decrease in mortality, morbidity and disability when using alirocumab in even the first year of use. The economic effect of alirocumab from a decrease in temporary disability in the 1st year is 304.5 mln rub., in the 2nd — 301.5 mln rub., in the 3rd — 321.1 mln rub., in the 4th — 333.1 mln rub. The estimated amount of prevented GDP losses from mortality in the target group for 4 years in the case of alirocumab use amounted to 1,260.2 mln rub. The annual amount of avoidable GDP losses from mortality in the target group in the case of alirocumab is 27–30 %. The annual average savings per patient in the case of alirocumab use are from 7 to 17 %. The greatest impact on reducing losses from disability and mortality of the target group is noted in the group of people aged 40–59 years. Only for this group, if alirocumab is used, it is possible to reduce losses from disability and mortality by 159.2 million rubles per year (83 % of the total economic effect). Starting from the 4th year of alirocumab use, it is possible to obtain a positive economic effect in terms of hospitalization costs.Conclusion. When alirocumab is included in the program of additional drug provision in cardiology, the share of costs for the purchase of alirocumab for the target group may be only 0.01 %. At the same time, the economic effect of inclusion in the first year alone will amount to at least 393.4 million rubles of budget funds. The total amount of avoidable losses due to the alirocumab usage may amount to 1,638 million rubles over 4 years.

Medical Costs Associated with High/Moderate/Low Likelihood of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Healthcare Claims Database Analysis.

Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to costly comorbidities. Previously, we developed an algorithm to identify individuals in a commercially insured US population with high, moderate, or low likelihood of having AGHD. Here, we estimate and compare direct medical costs by likelihood level. Retrospective, observational analysis using the Truven Health MarketScan database to analyze direct medical costs relating to inpatient and outpatient claims, outpatient prescription claims, medication usage, clinical utilization records, and healthcare expenditures. Patients were categorized into groups based on algorithmically determined likelihoods of AGHD. Likelihood groups were further stratified by age and sex. Trajectories of annual costs (USD) by likelihood level were also investigated. The study cohort comprised 135million US adults (aged ≥18years). Individuals ranked as high-likelihood AGHD had a greater burden of comorbid illness, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, than those ranked moderate- or low-likelihood. Those in the high-likelihood group had greater mean total direct medical monthly costs ($1844.51 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1841.24;1847.78]) than those in the moderate- ($945.65 [95% CI: 945.26;946.04]) and low-likelihood groups ($459.10 [95% CI: 458.95;459.25]). Outpatient visits accounted for the majority of costs overall, although cost per visit was substantially lower than for inpatient services. Costs tended to increase with age and peaked around the time that individuals were assigned a level of AGHD likelihood. Total direct medical costs in individuals with a high likelihood of AGHD exceeded those for individuals with moderate or low likelihood. Understanding the trajectory of healthcare costs in AGHD may help rationalize allocation of healthcare resources.

Greater persistence and adherence to basal insulin therapy is associated with lower healthcare utilization and medical costs in patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective database analysis

IntroductionWe aimed to assess persistence and adherence to basal insulin therapy, their association with all-cause healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and direct medical costs, and predictors of persistence and adherence in...