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Healthcare utilization and costs in children with stable and uncontrolled epilepsy

Joyce A Cramer1, Zhixiao J Wang2, Eunice Chang3

  • 1Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Consultant, Houston, TX, USA.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|February 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children with uncontrolled epilepsy incur higher healthcare costs and utilization than those with stable epilepsy. Uncontrolled epilepsy significantly impacts pediatric economic burden and resource use.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Healthcare Economics
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Epilepsy significantly impacts childhood development and can lead to substantial economic burdens in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding healthcare utilization and associated costs is crucial for managing pediatric epilepsy effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare annual healthcare utilization and costs between children under 12 with stable versus uncontrolled epilepsy.
  • To assess the economic impact of uncontrolled epilepsy in pediatric patients treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of the MarketScan claims database (2007-2009) identified children (<12 years) with epilepsy.
  • Patients were categorized as having "stable" epilepsy (same AED for ≥12 months) or "uncontrolled" epilepsy (additional AEDs prescribed).
  • Epilepsy-related utilization and costs were analyzed, adjusting for baseline differences using logistic regression and ANCOVA.

Main Results:

  • Children with uncontrolled epilepsy experienced higher hospitalization rates (30.1% vs. 12.0%) and significantly greater overall and epilepsy-related costs.
  • Adjusted analyses showed uncontrolled epilepsy was associated with increased odds of hospitalization (OR: 2.5) and higher epilepsy-related costs ($5744).
  • Despite significant epilepsy-related expenses, comorbid conditions contributed substantially to the overall economic burden.

Conclusions:

  • Uncontrolled epilepsy in children leads to significantly higher healthcare resource utilization and economic burden compared to stable epilepsy.
  • The findings highlight the need for effective management strategies to control epilepsy and mitigate its economic impact on pediatric populations.
  • Comorbidities play a significant role in the overall healthcare costs associated with childhood epilepsy.
Abstract

Keywords:
Antiepileptic drugsChildrenComorbiditiesCost analysisEconomicsEpilepsyMedical carePediatric epilepsySeizures

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