Paediatric Rheumatology
The economic burden of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - results from the German paediatric rheumatologic database.
K. Minden, M. Niewerth, J. Listing, D. Möbius, A. Thon, G. Ganser, B. Ermisch-Omran, A. Zink
CER144
2009 Vol.27, N°5
PI 0863, PF 0869
Paediatric Rheumatology
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PMID: 19917175 [PubMed]
Received: 15/01/2009
Accepted : 17/02/2009
In Press: 03/12/2009
Published: 03/12/2009
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
To estimate the cost of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to evaluate the influence of specific disease characteristics on the various costs domains.
METHODS:
Data on JIA outpatients (n=369) who were enrolled in the national paediatric rheumatologic database and completed a cost questionnaire were analysed. Direct JIA-related costs, families` out-of-pocket expenses and parents` income loss were calculated per patient and year, using physicians` reports, parents` 3-month recall, and average prices as the basis.
RESULTS:
The mean total cost of JIA was estimated to be 4,663 euros per patient per year. The highest costs were calculated for patients with seropositive polyarthritis and systemic arthritis (7,876 euros), and the lowest costs were seen for patients with persistent oligoarthritis (2,904 euros). Health-care costs accounted for 89% of total costs, and medication contributed to almost half of this value. A considerable amount of the cost was borne by the families, with a mean out-of-pocket cost of 223 euros and a mean indirect cost due to time loss from work of 270 euros per year per family. Cost increased with disease activity and pain, disease duration, and time period from symptom onset to first paediatric rheumatologist visit; it also increased with the presence of uveitis. However, function, as measured by the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, was the only factor significantly contributing to the variation in patient total costs.
CONCLUSIONS:
JIA imposes a significant economic burden. Medication (i.e. biologic drugs) contributes substantially to the total costs. However, these must be considered in the light of the patients` long-term outcomes.
