Determinants of costs and benefits in atopic dermatitis routine care in Germany

Abstract

Background and objectivesThe economic burden of atopic dermatitis (AD) is of particular interest. The present study aims to analyse the association of disease-related characteristics, annual costs and treatment benefits in AD.Methods Between August 2017 and June 2019, a cross-sectional observational study in patients with AD was conducted in Germany. Cost-of-illness data were assessed from the societal perspective. Disease characteristics included severity, time since diagnosis and therapy, as well as atopic comorbidity and the implementation of prevention measures. Subgroup analyses of the total costs were conducted for these characteristics. A linear regression model was applied to analyse the impact of disease characteristics on the costs. Furthermore, associations of biologic treatment with outcome parameters were analysed.Results A total of 1291 patients from 111 centres were included in the analyses. The total costs amounted on average to € 3660 AE € 6428 per patient and year. Higher costs were shown in various patient groups, for example, in patients using biologics (€ 20 983 vs. € 2470). In a regression analysis, gender, education and the number of implemented prevention measures were identified as significant predictors of costs. Patients treated with biologics showed consistently better outcome parameters and were more often satisfied with their treatment. Conclusions Gender, education and implemented prevention measures are significant cost determinants in AD. The results confirm that treatment with biologics is the main cost driver in AD. However, incremental patient-relevant benefits of high-priced therapy are reflected by the significantly better clinical outcomes in the group treated with biologics.

Impact Factor of 9.2 for JEADV and first theme issue on atopic dermatitis

“…6,7 Among other things, it is necessary to consider complications such as infections, 8 as well as socioeconomic factors. 9 New treatment modalities, from emollients to topical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapies, including immunomodulatory strategies utilizing new targeted biologics or kinase inhibitors, are all integrated into a patient care pathway 10 and a recent, evidence-based update to the European Guidelines summarizes these advancements. 11 In our humble opinion, a new era has dawned for patients suffering from atopic dermatitis/eczema.…”

“…For medical diagnostics and prognostication, biomarkers extend not only to blood samples 4, 5 but also to easy‐to‐use tape strips for lipid analysis on the skin surface 6, 7 . Among other things, it is necessary to consider complications such as infections, 8 as well as socioeconomic factors 9 …”