Cost Analysis of Screening for IgA Nephropathy Using Novel Biomarkers

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Biomarker Discovery
• Health Economics

Background:

• IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease globally.
• Novel biomarkers, including aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 and specific antibodies, show promise for IgAN diagnosis.
• Current screening methods for IgAN may not be fully cost-effective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a cost analysis comparing IgA nephropathy (IgAN) screening using novel biomarkers plus conventional screening versus conventional screening alone.
• To evaluate the long-term medical expenses associated with each screening strategy from a societal perspective.

Main Methods:

• An analytical decision model was developed to simulate medical expenses over 40 years.
• Two strategies were compared: IgAN screening with novel biomarkers (Group N) and conventional screening (Group C).
• The model initiated with individuals aged 40 presenting with first-time hematuria; discounting was not applied.

Main Results:

• The novel biomarker strategy (Group N) was projected to cost ¥2.2 million (~$21,000) less per person over 40 years compared to conventional screening (Group C).
• Group N showed an increase in IgAN diagnosis (48.44% vs. 42.77%) and a decrease in dialysis introduction (19.06% vs. 19.91%).
• Sensitivity analysis indicated cost reductions in most scenarios, except when renal biopsy rates exceeded 73% in conventional screening.

Conclusions:

• Screening for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) incorporating novel biomarkers is a more cost-effective approach than conventional screening alone.
• The use of novel biomarkers in IgAN screening can lead to reduced healthcare expenditures related to renal disease.