[Uremic pruritus through healthcare administrative data]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Dermatology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
• Understanding the healthcare resource consumption and associated costs of UP is crucial for healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe patients with and without uremic pruritus (UP) on hemodialysis.
• To analyze healthcare resource consumption and costs related to UP from the Italian National Health Service (INHS) perspective.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study using cross-linked healthcare administrative data (2015-2017).
• Inclusion of patients on hemodialysis for at least two years, excluding other causes of pruritus.
• Creation of UP and non-UP cohorts based on treatment for pruritus; analysis of treatments, hospitalizations, and costs.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of UP was 17.6% (218/1239 patients) among long-term hemodialysis patients.
• UP patients received treatments including antihistamines, gabapentin, and ultraviolet light therapy.
• Mean annual cost per patient was €37,065 for UP patients versus €35,988 for non-UP patients, with outpatient services dominating costs.

Conclusions:

• The healthcare cost burden of UP for the INHS, though potentially underestimated, is significant.
• High-efficiency dialytic therapies appear to be a major cost driver for UP patients.
• Development of specific and effective UP treatments may lead to cost savings and improved healthcare outcomes.