Pharmacoeconomic analysis of conservatively treated patients with nephropathies in western Slovakia regions

The prevalence of patients with chronic nephropathies leading to the end stage of renal failure (ESRF) is increased. The conservative therapy of patients in the phase of ESRF as well as the performance of hemodialysis represent an extensive burden on health care budgets.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the financial expenses for medications in group of conservatively treated patients with nephropathies.

One hundred and two patients (56 females, 46 males) aged 21-84 years with nephropathies collected from three out-patient departments of nephrology in the regions of Bratislava and Nitra (Western Slovakia) were enrolled into the study.

The total financial expenses represented 2,889,778 Sk The average expense per 1 patient/1 year was 28,331 Sk and that of 1 patient/1 day was 77.6 Sk, respectively. Antihypertensive therapy represented 1st position (29.4%) of the total financial cost followed by keto-analogs (27.5%), hypolipideamics (14.8%), drugs for disorders of calcium metabolism (14.4%) and antianaemics (6.2%), respectively. The group of "other" drugs represented 7.7% of total costs.

Results show that the financial expenses for pharmacotherapy in conservatively treated patients with nephropathies are high, but significantly less expensive in comparison with hemodialysis (700,000-1,000,000 Sk/year/patient). The prevention and the slowing down of the progression of renal disease seem to be crucial in the management of nephropathies. The therapeutic approach in conservatively treated patients with renal diseases was rational and up to date. (Tab. 1 Fig. 5, Ref. 12. )