Economic burden of epilepsy in a developing country: A retrospective cost analysis in China

Abstract

SUMMARYPurpose: To study the cost of epilepsy in China, and, therefore, provide essential information on the burden of the disease to individuals and society. Methods: A cost-of-illness study was performed on a retrospective cohort of medically treated patients. Data on clinical characteristics, utilization of sources, and costs were collected from 289 patients in a standardized format. Results: Direct medical care costs was Chinese yuan, renminbi (RMB) 2,529 (USD 372) per year per patient, of which antiepileptic drugs (RMB 1,651 or USD 243) accounted for the major cost component. Nonmedical direct costs were much less than direct health care costs, averaging approximately RMB 756 (USD 111). Costs due to loss of productivity averaged approximately RMB 1,968 (USD 289) per patient per year. Taken together, the overall mean annual cost for epilepsy per patient in our series was approximately RMB 5,253 (USD 773), and these costs accounted for more than half of the mean annual income. Total cost was significantly associated with disease severity and different responses to drug treatment. In addition, new antiepileptic drugs and the number of drugs taken were closely related with the drug cost. Conclusion: The results indicate that the economic burden of epilepsy to both Chinese patients and the nation is heavy, and the composition proportions of the costs in China have many similar features and some noteworthy differences with that of other countries.

A comprehensive review of the literature on epilepsy in selected countries in emerging markets

“…In another study from China, direct medical care costs were 2529¥ (US$372) per year per patient, of which anti-epileptic drugs (1651¥ or US$243) accounted for the major cost component 24. Nonmedical direct costs were much less than direct health care costs, averaging approximately 756¥ (US$111).…”

“…24 In India, the direct costs were calculated to be 147 rupees (US$3.26) to hospitals per epileptic patient, while the cost of monitoring therapeutic drugs to the hospital, per seizure prevented, was 22.35 rupees (US$0.50) 25…”

Epilepsy services in Saudi Arabia

“…Epilepsy incurs a tremendous cost to governments and patients all over the world because continuous follow-ups are needed, and years of compliance to anti-epileptic medications are also required 9-13. Other burdens associated with epilepsy are frequent hospitalizations, expensive diagnostic tests, and decreased productivity at work for patients or their caregivers.…”

Review of the use of botanicals for epilepsy in complementary medical systems — Traditional Chinese Medicine

“…Physicians are required to prescribe antiepileptic medications according to evidence-based guidelines [118]. Compared with a survey from China in 1988 in which nearly 40% of individuals would seek a doctor for traditional herbal or botanical medicine [119], substantially fewer (6.3%) patients in urban areas used Chinese traditional medicine as antiepileptic drugs [120]. We believe that the standardization of physician training for epilepsy care [117] may be responsible for this difference.…”