Economic and Health Care Resource Use Burden of Systemic Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Immunology
• Health Economics and Outcomes Research

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysregulation.
• Understanding the economic and resource utilization burden of SSc is crucial for healthcare system planning and patient support.
• Pre-diagnosis healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs in SSc patients are not well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and compare health care resource use (HCRU) and costs for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) before and after their diagnosis.
• To establish a baseline for the economic impact of SSc on the US healthcare system.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a large US claims database (Merative MarketScan, 2015-2019).
• Inclusion criteria required 24 months pre-index diagnosis enrollment and 12 months post-index diagnosis enrollment.
• Comparison with a matched general population cohort without SSc.

Main Results:

• 902 SSc patients identified (mean age 54, 85% female).
• Mean annual costs for SSc patients increased from $22,383 (2 years prior) to $47,095 (1 year after diagnosis), significantly higher than the general population cohort ($9,656-$10,232).
• Post-diagnosis, outpatient settings, prescription drugs, and physician offices were the largest cost drivers.

Conclusions:

• Patients with SSc incur substantially greater healthcare costs and utilize more resources than the general population, even years before diagnosis.
• The progressive nature of SSc and diagnostic delays contribute to escalating healthcare expenditures.
• Findings highlight the significant economic burden of SSc and emphasize the need for early diagnosis and effective management strategies.