Costs of medication use among patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the Dutch healthcare system. (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kip, Michelle M. A.; de Roock, Sytze; Currie, Gillian; Marshall, Deborah A.; Grazziotin, Luiza R.; Twilt, Marinka; Yeung, Rae S. M.; Benseler, Susanne M.; Schreijer, Maud A.; Vastert, Sebastiaan J.; Wulffraat, Nico; van Royen-Kerkhof, Annet; Swart, Joost F.; IJzerman, Maarten J.
• Is Part Of: Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research. Volume 21:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 975
• Page End: 984
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Health care costs -- health resources -- juvenile idiopathic arthritis -- treatment costs; Pharmacology -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.47615105
• DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2021.1857241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7167

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : This study aims to quantify medication costs in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), based on subtype. Research design and methods : This study is a single-center, retrospective analysis of prospective data from electronic medical records of JIA patients, aged 0–18 years between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2019. Patient characteristics (age, gender, subtype) and medication use were extracted. Medication use and costs were reported as: 1) mean total annual costs; 2) between-patient heterogeneity in these costs; 3) duration of medication use; and, 4) costs over the treatment course. Results : The analysis included 691 patients. Mean total medication costs were €2, 103/patient/year, including €1, 930/patient/year (91.8%) spent on biologicals. Costs varied considerably between subtypes, with polyarticular rheumatoid-factor positive and systemic JIA patients having the highest mean costs (€5, 020/patient/year and €4, 790/patient/year, respectively). Mean annual medication costs over the patient's treatment course ranged from <€1, 000/year (71.1% of patients) to >€11, 000/year (2.5% of patients). Etanercept and adalimumab were the most commonly used biologicals. Cost fluctuations over the treatment course were primarily attributable to biological use. Conclusions : Polyarticular rheumatoid-factor positive and systemic JIA patients had the highest mean total annual medication costs, primarily attributable to biologicals. Costs varied considerably between subtypes, individuals, and over the treatment course.