Economic burden of beta-thalassemia/Hb E and beta-thalassemia major in Thai children

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Genetics

Background:

• Beta-thalassemia/hemoglobin E (Hb E) presents variable severity and treatment costs.
• Societal cost of care for pediatric beta-thalassemia in Thailand remains understudied.
• Prevalence-based cost-of-illness analysis from a societal perspective was employed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the comprehensive societal cost of managing pediatric beta-thalassemia in Thailand.
• To identify key cost drivers and predictors influencing treatment expenses.
• To inform national health planning and economic evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for children (2-18 years) with beta-thalassemia/Hb E and homozygous beta-thalassemia.
• Inclusion of direct medical costs from hospital records.
• Inclusion of direct non-medical and indirect costs through family interviews.

Main Results:

• 201 patients (91% beta-thalassemia/Hb E, 9% homozygous beta-thalassemia) were analyzed.
• Average annual treatment cost was US$950 per patient.
• Cost breakdown: 59% direct medical, 17% direct non-medical, 24% indirect costs.

Conclusions:

• Significant predictors of cost include hospital, insurance, transfusion patterns, and iron chelation use.
• Calculated average annual cost per patient and estimated cost model.
• Findings support national health planning, economic evaluations, and budget impact analyses for interventions.