A summary of the impact of musculoskeletal conditions in the united states

Objective. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a potentially devastating chronic pediatric disease. Although high costs have been well described in adult arthritis, little is known about the economic impact of JIA. Our objective was to describe direct medical costs for children with JIA compared with controls. Methods. Consecutive clinic attendees (n ‫؍‬ 155) with JIA were enrolled from 2 tertiary referral pediatric centers. Outpatient clinic controls without JIA (n ‫؍‬ 181) were recruited at the respective centers. Data on direct medical costs were obtained at 3-month intervals. Average annualized direct medical costs were calculated, expressed in 2005 Canadian dollars. Results. The total difference in annualized average direct medical costs for children with JIA versus controls was $1,686 (95% confidence interval $875, $2,500). JIA subjects had substantially higher costs concerning medication use, visits to specialists and allied health care professionals, and diagnostic tests. Multiple linear regression models for the JIA sample revealed that higher active joint count was independently associated with greater total direct medical costs. Also, JIA type was a predictor of greater direct costs, with higher costs for patients with polyarthritis (rheumatoid factor positive or negative) or systemic JIA. Conclusion. The economic impact of JIA is substantial, and higher active joint count is independently associated with greater costs. This may be of particular significance given the emergence of new, costly medications for use in JIA. Insights into the relationship between disease activity and cost in JIA should assist policy makers regarding resource allocation in the setting of competing demands. Ultimately, decisions regarding access to therapies should be considered in terms of overall cost-benefit ratios.

“…In adults, inflammatory arthritis is known to have a massive economic impact (1)(2)(3)(4). Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Economic impact of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Bernatsky¹,

Duffy²,

Malleson³

et al. 2007

“…Different studies have shown that musculoskeletal disorders have a great impact on individuals and society because of their high prevalence, morbidity and disability potential, and large use of acute and long-term health care and support resources (1,2). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents the paradigm of chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder with a high prevalence and a progressive clinical course negatively affecting patients' quality of life, function, and life expectancy.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Costs and predictors of costs in rheumatoid arthritis: A prevalence‐based study

Lajas¹,

Abásolo²,

Bellajdel³

et al. 2003

160

Objective. To analyze the annual cost of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its predictive factors. Methods. Data were obtained from a 12-month retrospective cohort of 201 RA patients, randomly selected from a rheumatology registry, through a structured interview and records of the Central Information System of the hospital. Results were divided into direct, indirect, and total costs in 2001 US dollars. A sensitivity analysis was performed. Multiple linear regression models for the different types of costs were carried out. Results. The total cost was $2.2 million per year, with a cost attributable to RA of $2.07 million per year. The average cost per patient was $10,419 per year (ranging from $7,914 per patient per year in the best scenario to $12,922 per patient per year in the worst case). Direct costs represent nearly 70% of total costs. We found an average increment in total costs of $11,184 per year per unit of Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score (P < 0.0001) and an average annual increment of $621 per year of disease (P < 0.0001). After adjustment, the HAQ score, inability to perform housework tasks, and being permanently disabled for work were the only predictors of high costs. Conclusion. Our data show a remarkable economic impact of RA over society and link the costs of the disease to its consequences in terms of functional disability, work disability, and housework disability.

“…In 1989 and 1990, the National Arthritis Data Work Group published 2 articles summarizing the economic impact of musculoskeletal conditions in the United States, as well as the extent of medical care system usage, activity limitation, and work loss associated with these conditions (1,2). In the more comprehensive of the 2 reports (l), studies using national, community-based sampling frames as well as those using clinical sampling frames were reviewed.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Special article the economic cost and social and psychological impact of musculoskeletal conditions

Yelin

Callahan

1995

417

222

Objective. To provide an indication of the economic, social, and psychological impact of musculoskeletal conditions in the United States.Methods. Review of the literature combined with estimates of data concerning health care utilization and acute and chronic disability due to musculoskeletal conditions, from the 199&1992 National Health Interview Survey.Results. The cost of musculoskeletal conditions was $149.4 billion in 1992, of which 48% was due to direct medical care costs and the remainder was due to indirect costs resulting from wage losses. This amount translates to -2.5% of the Gross National Product, a sharp rise since the prior studies, even if part of the increase is an artifact of improved accounting methods. Each year, persons with musculoskeletal conditions make 315 million physician visits, have more than 8