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Gout in the elderly--a population health study
John G Hanly1, Chris Skedgel, Ingrid Sketris
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4K4, Canada. john.hanly@cdha.nshealth.ca
The Journal of Rheumatology
|March 17, 2009
Summary
Gout significantly increases healthcare utilization and costs in older adults, primarily due to hospitalizations. Disseminating gout management guidelines to all physicians is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis affecting older populations.
- Understanding the economic and healthcare burden of gout is essential for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, healthcare utilization, and associated costs of gout in older adults.
- To analyze the drivers of healthcare expenditure in elderly gout patients.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year retrospective case-control study using health administrative data.
- Inclusion of 4,071 incident gout cases and 16,281 matched controls.
- Analysis of demographics, diagnostic codes, and healthcare costs.
Main Results:
- The 5-year incidence of gout was 4.4% in older adults.
- Gout patients experienced higher hospitalization rates, physician visits (28.1 vs. 20.6), and medication use.
- Monthly healthcare costs were $134 higher for gout patients, totaling $8,020 over 5 years, driven by hospitalizations (64.4%).
Conclusions:
- Gout imposes a substantial disease burden on older individuals.
- High costs are linked to comorbidities and hospitalization, necessitating improved management.
- Dissemination of gout diagnosis and treatment guidelines to all healthcare providers is recommended.
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