[Costs in hand amputations derived from labor injuries]

BACKGROUND

Hand injuries by labor accidents are first rank. It is necessary to have a multidisciplinary medical approach to frequently generated temporary and permanent disabilities that affect costs to an institution and to enterprise.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the direct cost (DC) and the indirect cost (IC) of complete and partial amputations in hand caused by labor injuries.

METHODS

An observational study was performed. The data was obtained from labor injuries with amputation of a finger or hand that received multidisciplinary management. The costs were calculated according to the list of Institutional Unit Costs. The IC were obtained with the "safety pays" program.

RESULTS

We included 48 cases. The average age was 32.17 years; the cost of surgical operations was $767,470; and the payment of a partial disability permanent was $1,032,670; the DC of the sample of 48 workers was $2,955,007 with an IC of $3,250,507 and a total cost of $6,205,515, the average cost per worker of $51,741 for DC, $56,915 for IC and $108,657 for the total cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Costs of hand injures requires the creation of prevention programs.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of medical intervention in patients with early detection of diabetic foot in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh

The economic burden resulting from diabetic foot consumes a major portion of resources. The study was undertaken to assess the cost-effectiveness of medical intervention in patients with diabetic foot. At baseline 906 patients were analyzed. Then 200 patients with diabetic foot were purposively selected from a tertiary diabetes care hospital. Of these, 100 were late in detection and poorly managed (late diabetic foot or LDF) and 100 were detected early and properly managed (early diabetic foot or EDF). Among 906 patients, 2.8% (25 patients) were found to develop diabetic foot. Total cost of treatment was US$13,308.16 with an average of US$443.60 per patient. Comparing the cost of patients who underwent amputation with the patients who are not yet amputated, cost difference was US$6657.74. The result showed that cost of amputation was 5.54 times higher than the usual treatment. The average cost of care was US$134 per patient. Among the average annual cost, LDF consumed US$18,918. Fifty percent of the costs were attributable to drugs for both groups of which 77% was for LDF and 29% to hospitalizations. The regression equation showed that medical cost is significantly related to complications. Proper management can substantially reduce the cost of care of patients with diabetic foot.

The real victims of the islamic feast of sacrifice: injuries related to the sacrifice

BACKGROUND

During the Feast of Sacrifice in Muslim countries, thousands of animals are slaughtered every year. Many injuries occur during the sacrifice. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the demographic characteristics of patients, their slaughtering experience, types of injury, and related hospital costs.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted in Emergency Departments (EDs) of Gazi University and Ankara Training and Research Hospital. One hundred and twenty adult patients were admitted to EDs with injuries related to the slaughter and processing of meat during two consecutive Feasts of Sacrifice.

RESULTS

The average age of patients was 41.85 +/- 13.6, and 101 patients (84.2%) were male. One hundred sixteen patients (96.7%) were not professionals. Ninety-seven patients (80.8%) were admitted to EDs on the first day of the feasts. Ninety-nine injuries (82.5%) were related to cutting tools, and 21 patients (17.5%) were admitted with complaints of either falling or being harmed by animals. Fourteen patients (11.7%) with tendon lacerations, finger amputations, extremity fractures, and eye traumas were taken into surgery. Hospital costs were a median 104.76 [67.48-322.12] Turkish Liras (74.30 [47.86-228.45] USD).

CONCLUSION

Proper conditions for slaughter should be provided and professionals should perform the slaughter and/or processing of the meat. EDs should be supplied both more equipment and physicians, especially on the first days of the feast.

Current status of the medical expenses for the treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans in Japan

AIM

We aimed to determine the current status of the medical expenses for the treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) and evaluate the cost effectiveness of the medical practices employed in ASO treatment in Japan.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study using 140 ASO patients. The cost of the medical practices comprised the costs of outpatient treatment, pharmacological agents, and hospitalization. To compare the average monthly costs, the patients were divided into preintervention, postintervention, or conservative-therapy groups. To compare the total costs and effectiveness of each treatment, the patients who had first visited our division during the study period were classified into surgery, endovascular-revascularization (EVR), or conservative-therapy groups. The adverse reactions of the 4 most popular agents for ASO were investigated, and bleeding events were assessed specifically.

RESULTS

The average monthly costs for outpatient treatment and pharmacological agents were yen 168,002 in conservative cases, yen 149,871 in preoperation cases, and yen 128,527 in postoperation cases. The mean total costs were yen 5,407,950 in conservative cases, yen 7,375,290 in surgical cases, and yen 2,631,650 in EVR cases. The average change of the gauge in clinical status was 0.57 in conservative cases, 2.13 in surgical cases, and 2.25 in EVR cases. Warfarin induced more bleeding complications than the other agents.

CONCLUSION

The costs of pharmacological agents represented much of the medical costs in any treatment groups.

Cost-effectiveness of the diabetes care protocol, a multifaceted computerized decision support diabetes management intervention that reduces cardiovascular risk

OBJECTIVE

The Diabetes Care Protocol (DCP), a multifaceted computerized decision support diabetes management intervention, reduces cardiovascular risk of type 2 diabetic patients. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of DCP from a Dutch health care perspective.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cluster randomized trial provided data of DCP versus usual care. The 1-year follow-up patient data were extrapolated using a modified Dutch microsimulation diabetes model, computing individual lifetime health-related costs, and health effects. Incremental costs and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]) were estimated using multivariate generalized estimating equations to correct for practice-level clustering and confounding. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were created. Stroke costs were calculated separately. Subgroup analyses examined patients with and without cardiovascular disease (CVD+ or CVD- patients, respectively).

RESULTS

Excluding stroke, DCP patients lived longer (0.14 life-years, P = NS), experienced more QALYs (0.037, P = NS), and incurred higher total costs (euro 1,415, P = NS), resulting in an ICER of euro 38,243 per QALY gained. The likelihood of cost-effectiveness given a willingness-to-pay threshold of euro 20,000 per QALY gained is 30%. DCP had a more favorable effect on CVD+ patients (ICER = euro 14,814) than for CVD- patients (ICER = euro 121,285). Coronary heart disease costs were reduced (euro-587, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

DCP reduces cardiovascular risk, resulting in only a slight improvement in QALYs, lower CVD costs, but higher total costs, with a high cost-effectiveness ratio. Cost-effective care can be achieved by focusing on cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients with a history of CVD.

Predicted annual costs for inpatients with diabetes and foot ulcers in a developing country-a simulation of the current situation in Brazil

AIMS

The objective of this cost-of-illness analysis was to quantify the annual costs associated with hospital admission for people with diabetes and foot ulcers in Brazil.

METHODS

A hypothetical cohort was simulated using a decision tree model. Prevalence and incidence rates and clinical outcomes were estimated from published studies and applied to the general Brazilian population over 30 years. Costs were quoted in Brazilian real (BRL) and converted to US dollars ($US) at the 2008 currency exchange rate ($US1 = BRL 1.64). In the sensitivity analysis, we reduced and increased rates to assess the robustness of the cost estimates.

RESULTS

In this hypothetical cohort there are 6.48 million (95% confidence interval 4.47-7.12) Brazilians citizens with Type 2 diabetes. Each year, approximately 323,000 (89,500-484,500) of these people develop foot ulcers and almost 97,200 (17,900-169,600) require hospital admission as a result. Each year, almost 46,300 (8500-80,900) limb amputations and 12,400 (2300-21,700) deaths occur as a result of diabetic foot disease in Brazil. The annual cost associated with these hospital admissions is estimated to be almost $US264m ($US51m-461m). The estimated cost for patients with amputation is nearly $US128m ($US24.5m-222.3m).

CONCLUSIONS

Our model shows that the social and economic impact of diabetic foot disease in Brazil is high. Government decision makers should reflect on the current situation and provide organized foot care throughout the whole country.

A cost-utility analysis of amputation versus salvage for Gustilo type IIIB and IIIC open tibial fractures

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity trauma is common. Despite an abundance of literature on severe injuries that can be treated with salvage or amputation, the appropriate management of these injuries remains uncertain. In this situation, a cost-utility analysis is an important tool in providing an evidence-based practice approach to guide treatment decisions.

METHODS

Costs following amputation and salvage were derived from data presented in a study that emerged from the Lower Extremity Assessment Project. The authors extracted relevant data on projected lifetime costs and analyzed them to include discounting and sensitivity analysis by considering patient age. The utilities for the various health states (amputation or salvage, including possible complications) were measured previously using the standard gamble method and a decision tree simulation to determine quality-adjusted life-years.

RESULTS

Amputation is more expensive than salvage, independently of varied ongoing prosthesis needs, discount rate, and patient age at presentation. Moreover, amputation yields fewer quality-adjusted life-years than salvage. Salvage is deemed the dominant, cost-saving strategy.

CONCLUSION

Unless the injury is so severe that salvage is not a possibility, based on this economic model, surgeons should consider limb salvage, which will yield lower costs and higher utility when compared with amputation.

The personal cost of diabetic foot disease in the developing world--a study from Pakistan

AIMS

The aim of the present study was to estimate the direct cost of treatment of diabetic foot ulcer at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan in order to assess the extent of the economic burden which it imposes.

METHODS

Out of 383 patients seen at Foot clinic of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE), records of 214 patients were analyzed while 169 patients left against medical advice (LAMA). The UT system was used to classify ulcer types. Information was retrieved on resource consumption (physician services, chiropody, investigations, medicines, hospital care and surgical procedures). Interventions were summed and multiplied by the unit price of each resource, using charges levied at BIDE in the year 2005, in order to calculate the total cost of treatment.

RESULTS

64% were male, with mean age 52.7 +/- 10.2 years. Mean duration of diabetes was 16.2 +/- 6.6 years. Majority (62.1%) were Grade 2 ulcer. The estimated direct cost of management increased from 2700 +/- 250 rupees (21 +/- 2 pounds) for a UT grade 1, stage B ulcer to 37,415 +/- 24,125 rupees (288 +/- 186 pounds) for UT grade 2, stage D and 49,058 +/- 30,144 rupees (378 +/- 232 pounds) for UT grade 3, stage D ulcers, respectively. The mean direct cost of major amputation (transtibial or transfemoral) was 46,182 +/- 30,742 ( 356 +/- 237 pounds) whilst the cost of a minor amputation was 50,494 +/- 30,488 rupees (389 +/- 235 pounds).

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study, despite having limitations, is important for a developing world country with limited data on health economics. Further larger scale prospective studies are needed to address this issue in more detail.

Negative-pressure wound therapy and diabetic foot amputations: a retrospective study of payer claims data

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to assess the benefits of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) versus traditional wound therapies in reducing the incidence of lower-extremity amputations in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

METHODS

Administrative claims data for patients with diabetic foot ulcers from commercial payers (n=3,524) and Medicare (n=12,795) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into NPWT and control/traditional therapy groups on the basis of administrative codes. Risk-adjustment procedures were then performed to match patient risk categories (through total treatment costs) and wound severities (through debridement depth).

RESULTS

The incidence of amputations in the NPWT groups was lower than that in the control groups. For the cost-based risk-adjustment analysis, amputation incidences with NPWT versus traditional therapy were 35% lower in the Medicare sample (10.8% versus 16.6%; P=.0077) and 34% lower in the commercial payer sample (14.1% versus 21.4%; P=.0951). Whereas overall amputation rates increased progressively with increasing wound debridement depth in both control groups, the same increasing trend did not occur in the NPWT groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the Medicare sample treated with NPWT had a lower incidence of amputations than those undergoing traditional wound therapy; this finding was evident in wounds of varying depth in both populations studied.

Assessment and treatment of diabetic foot ulcer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Foot ulcers are one of the main complications in diabetes mellitus, with a 15% lifetime risk in all diabetic patients. The rate of lower extremity amputation among diabetic patients is 17-40 times higher than in non-diabetics. A critical triad of neuropathy, minor foot trauma and foot deformity was found in > 63% of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) has been identified in 30% of foot ulcers. We present a comprehensive assessment and the treatment of DFUs. We also want to notify physicians not to ignore foot assessment and examinations in patients with diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted this study on DFU on the basis of: pathogenesis and risk factors, assessment and physical examination, paraclinic assessment, treatment, cost and mortality and prevention.

RESULTS AND FINDINGS

Approximately 20% of hospital admissions among diabetic patients are the result of foot problems. Diabetic foot assessment should include dermatological, vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal systems. There are three basic treatments for management of DFU: (i) debridement; (ii) antibiotics and (iii) revascularization. The cost to treat one simple ulcer is $5000 to $8000.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of physicians about foot problems in diabetic patients, clinical examination and paraclinical assessment, regular foot examination, patient education, simple hygienic practices and provision of appropriate footwear combined with prompt treatment of minor injuries can decrease ulcer occurrence by 50%.

Health-care costs associated with amputation or reconstruction of a limb-threatening injury

BACKGROUND

Recent reports have suggested that functional outcomes are similar following either amputation or reconstruction of a severely injured lower extremity. The goal of this study was to compare two-year direct health-care costs and projected lifetime health-care costs associated with these two treatment pathways.

METHODS

Two-year health-care costs were estimated for 545 patients with a unilateral limb-threatening lower-extremity injury treated at one of eight level-I trauma centers. Included in the calculation were costs related to (1) the initial hospitalization, (2) all rehospitalizations for acute care related to the limb injury, (3) inpatient rehabilitation, (4) outpatient doctor visits, (5) outpatient physical and occupational therapy, and (6) purchase and maintenance of prosthetic devices. All dollar figures were inflated to constant 2002 dollars with use of the medical service Consumer Price Index. To estimate projected lifetime costs, the number of expected life years was multiplied by an estimate of future annual health-care costs and added to an estimate of future costs associated with the purchase and maintenance of prosthetic devices.

RESULTS

When costs associated with rehospitalizations and post-acute care were added to the cost of the initial hospitalization, the two-year costs for reconstruction and amputation were similar. When prosthesis-related costs were added, there was a substantial difference between the two groups ($81,316 for patients treated with reconstruction and $91,106 for patients treated with amputation). The projected lifetime health-care cost for the patients who had undergone amputation was three times higher than that for those treated with reconstruction ($509,275 and $163,282, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These estimates add support to previous conclusions that efforts to improve the rate of successful reconstructions have merit. Not only is reconstruction a reasonable goal at an experienced level-I trauma center, it results in lower lifetime costs.

Musculoskeletal rehabilitation: current understandings and future directions

This work examines the current state of knowledge regarding the efficacy of rehabilitation for patients with major lower-extremity joint replacements, hip fractures, and amputations. Of particular focus is the use of inpatient rehabilitation strategies for functional restoration. These areas of rehabilitation involve common conditions in the elderly population. Cost-containment pressures have highlighted the focus on the efficacy of inpatient rehabilitation for persons with joint replacements in particular. Medicare's "75% rule" specifically limits persons with elective joint replacements from entering rehabilitation units after their surgeries. This article highlights research relevant to these issues and was written to examine the state of knowledge about these topics with the goal of highlighting areas that need more research attention.

Complex limb salvage or early amputation for severe lower-limb injury: a meta-analysis of observational studies

PURPOSE

Leg threatening injuries present patients and clinicians with a difficult decision: whether to pursue primary amputation or limb salvage? The purpose of our study was to review the literature in an effort to inform this management decision.

METHODS

We systematically searched and selected observational studies that reported on individuals presenting with leg threatening injuries comparing outcomes of limb salvage versus primary amputation. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE. We reported on the following outcomes, and pooled data across trials when possible: length of hospital stay, total rehabilitation time, cost, clinical outcomes, failure rate for limb salvage, function & quality of life, pain, return to work, factors associated with poor outcome, and patient preference.

RESULTS

Nine observational studies contributed data to our systematic review. The current evidence suggests that while length of hospital stay is similar for limb salvage and primary amputation, length of rehabilitation and total costs are higher for limb salvage patients. Salvage patients requires greater additional surgery and are significantly more likely to undergo re-hospitalization. Long-term functional outcomes (up to 7 years post injury) are equivalent between limb salvage and primary amputation; both forms of management are associated with high rates of self-reported disability (40%; to 50%;), and functional status continues to worsen over time. Report of pain following limb salvage or primary amputation is similar. Return to work is essentially the same between limb salvage and primary amputation groups, with approximately half of such patients returning to competitive employment at 2 years post injury. Both clinical and psychosocial factors are associated with poorer functional outcomes. At the time of injury patients prefer limb salvage, but the majority of failed salvage patients would opt for early amputation if they could decide again.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Functional outcome among patients who present with leg-threatening injuries are not significantly different, at least up to 7 years, whether they are managed with limb salvage or primary amputation. Research to optimize triage decisions to avoid failed limb salvage as well as on interventions targeting important psychosocial prognostic variables should be considered a priority.

Predictors, consequences and costs of diabetes-related lower extremity amputation complicating type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aims of this study were to assess the incidence, predictors, consequences, and inpatient cost of lower extremity amputation (LEA) in a community-based cohort of type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 1996, 1,294 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited to the longitudinal, observational Fremantle Diabetes Study. LEAs and mortality from cardiac causes were monitored until 30 June 2005. Inpatient costs (in Australian dollars in year 2000), derived using a case-mix approach, were available for the period from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2000.

RESULTS

During follow-up 44 patients without LEA at baseline had a first-ever diabetes-related LEA, an incidence of 3.8 per 1,000 patient-years. Independent predictors of first-ever LEA included foot ulceration (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 5.56 [1.24-25.01]), an ankle brachial index < or =0.90 (2.21 [1.11-4.42]), HbA(1c) (increase of 1%: 1.30 [1.10-1.54]) and neuropathy (2.65 [1.30-5.44]). The risk of cardiac death was significantly increased in patients with LEA at baseline, although this was not an independent risk factor. The median (interquartile range) inpatient cost per LEA admission was 12,485 Australian dollars (6,037 Australian dollars-24,415 Australian dollars), with a median length of stay of 24 (10-43) days.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

First-ever LEAs in type 2 patients were associated with poor glycaemic control, foot ulceration and evidence of microvascular and macrovascular disease. Patients with LEA were at increased risk of cardiac death. LEAs contribute disproportionately to diabetes-related inpatient costs.

Retrospective review of forefoot amputations at a Veterans Affairs hospital and evaluation of post-amputation follow-up

BACKGROUND

Forefoot amputations in diabetic and vascular patients often are followed by subsequent amputations. We evaluated the outcomes of forefoot amputations and the efficacy of our care in preventing subsequent amputations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Charts of all patients undergoing forefoot amputations were reviewed. Comorbid conditions, subsequent amputations, and the nature of pre- and post-amputation care were noted. A subset of patients followed more than 2 years post-amputation was studied to evaluate post-amputation care.

RESULTS

Of the 81 patients, 26% underwent subsequent forefoot amputations and 37% underwent subsequent proximal amputations. Forty-one patients followed more than 2 years were divided into 2 groups: those followed closely by foot-care specialists and those followed by primary care providers. The former group experienced fewer amputations, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous forefoot amputation is a high-risk factor for repeat amputations. Our post-amputation care did not effectively reduce subsequent amputations.

The economic burden of diabetic foot and ankle disorders

Physicians specializing in the care of patients with lower extremity disorders are acutely aware of the many adverse effects of diabetes mellitus and its secondary complications on all body systems. However, the disease has a devastating socioeconomic impact, as well. An estimated $98 billion in direct and indirect medical costs was spent on diabetes in 1997 in the United States. With a growing older population, cases of diabetes mellitus will certainly increase. The economic impact and clinical effectiveness of patient evaluation, preventive strategies, and treatment options are discussed.

Venous thromboembolism in a rehabilitation setting after major lower-extremity amputation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of venous thromboembolic disease (VTED) and impact on functional outcome in patients with major lower-extremity (LE) amputation admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit.

DESIGN

Retrospective medical records review.

SETTING

Acute inpatient rehabilitation unit in a tertiary, urban academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty consecutive patients admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation unit after a major LE amputation. Participants were screened at rehabilitation admission for LE deep vein thrombosis using duplex ultrasonography.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable. Main outcome measures VTED incidence, FIM instrument, total rehabilitation charges, and length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Six of 50 patients (12%) had evidence of VTED. The VTED cohort had significantly lower admission and discharge FIM scores than the no-VTED cohort (admission FIM score, 57.2 vs 76.0; discharge FIM score, 66.0 vs 90.1, respectively; P< or =.02). Subjects with VTED had a longer rehabilitation LOS (22.8d vs 13.9d, respectively; P=.02) and higher total rehabilitation charges (28,314 US dollars vs 17,724 US dollars, respectively; P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, VTED prevalence after LE amputation in a rehabilitation setting was 12%. Subjects with VTED had lower admission and discharge functional status, longer LOS, and higher hospital charges. The utility of screening duplex ultrasound examinations at rehabilitation admission remains unclear.

Diabetic foot ulcers and amputations: estimates of health utility for use in cost-effectiveness analyses of new treatments

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), infections and amputations are associated with high costs of care and loss of health. To evaluate new treatments, both the extra costs incurred and the health utility gained need to be examined. However, evaluations of treatments in diabetes are hampered by the lack of utility values for health states such as DFU. We estimated utility values for health states seen amongst DFU patients.

METHODS

We identified 13 unique health states based on presence/type of DFU and amputation. Members of the general public (n=107) received a description of each health state. They were then asked to indicate how undesirable each health state was (using the time trade-off method). Each answer was then transformed to create a value representing the "utility" of the health state, the utility value represented on a 0-1 scale.

RESULTS

Valid responses could be obtained from 96 persons. Mean values included: 0.84 (diabetes with no DFU or amputation), 0.75 (uninfected DFU, no amputation), 0.68 (no DFU, previous foot amputation), and 0.63 (uninfected DFU, previous amputation of other foot). The impact of an ulcer depended on amputation status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our values correspond with previously published results but are more detailed. In addition, since our values were derived from the general public, economic evaluations that incorporate them will use the generally preferred societal perspective. Therefore, these values are appropriate, practical and sensitive weights to calculate QALYs for cost-effectiveness analyses of foot ulcer treatments.

Health-Economic Consequences of Diabetic Foot Lesions

Diabetic foot complications result in huge costs for both society and the individual patients. Few reports on the health-economic consequences of diabetic foot infections have been published. In studies considering a wide societal perspective, costs of antibiotics were relatively low, whereas total costs for topical treatment were high relative to the total costs of foot infections. Total direct costs for healing of infected ulcers not requiring amputation are approximately 17,500 dollars (in 1998 US dollars), whereas the costs for lower-extremity amputations are approximately 30,000 dollars-33,500 dollars depending on the level of amputation. Prevention of foot ulcers and amputations by various methods, including patient education, proper footwear, and foot care, in patients at risk is cost effective or even cost saving. Awareness of the potential influence of reimbursement systems on prevention, management, and outcomes of diabetic foot lesions has increased. Despite methodological obstacles, modeling studies are needed in future health-economic evaluations to determine the cost effectiveness of various strategies.

Predicted costs and outcomes from reduced vibration detection in people with diabetes in the U.S

OBJECTIVE

The ability to perceive vibration (vibration detection) has been shown to be a good predictor of the long-term complications of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). We aimed to estimate the predicted complications and costs for the U.S. health care system associated with reduced vibration detection (vibration perception threshold >or=25 V), estimated using a quantitative sensory testing device.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A Markov model was constructed for a hypothetical cohort of people with DPN. The model was run over a 10-year period using Monte Carlo simulations to estimate disease progression, predicted costs, and complications according to vibration detection levels.

RESULTS

The average individual with reduced vibration detection incurs approximately five times more direct medical costs for foot ulcer and amputations, yields 0.18 fewer quality-adjusted life-years, and lives for approximately 2 months less than an average individual with normal vibration detection.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of foot ulceration and amputation is time-consuming and expensive. If individuals with reduced vibration detection could be identified, then preventative care could be concentrated on those patients, potentially saving valuable resources and improving health outcomes.

The impact of diabetes-related complications on healthcare costs: results from the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS Study No. 65)

AIMS

To develop a model for estimating the immediate and long-term healthcare costs associated with seven diabetes-related complications in patients with Type 2 diabetes participating in the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS).

METHODS

The costs associated with some major complications were estimated using data on 5102 UKPDS patients (mean age 52.4 years at diagnosis). In-patient and out-patient costs were estimated using multiple regression analysis based on costs calculated from the length of admission multiplied by the average specialty cost and a survey of 3488 UKPDS patients' healthcare usage conducted in 1996-1997.

RESULTS

Using the model, the estimate of the cost of first complications were as follows: amputation pound 8459 (95% confidence interval pound 5295, pound 13 200); non-fatal myocardial infarction pound 4070 ( pound 3580, pound 4722); fatal myocardial infarction pound 1152 ( pound 941, pound 1396); fatal stroke pound 3383 ( pound 1935, pound 5431); non-fatal stroke pound 2367 ( pound 1599, pound 3274); ischaemic heart disease pound 1959 ( pound 1467, pound 2541); heart failure pound 2221 ( pound 1690, pound 2896); cataract extraction pound 1553 ( pound 1320, pound 1855); and blindness in one eye pound 872 ( pound 526, pound 1299). The annual average in-patient cost of events in subsequent years ranged from pound 631 ( pound 403, pound 896) for heart failure to pound 105 ( pound 80, pound 142) for cataract extraction. Non-in-patient costs for macrovascular complications were pound 315 ( pound 247, pound 394) and for microvascular complications were pound 273 ( pound 215, pound 343) in the year of the event. In each subsequent year the costs were, respectively, pound 258 ( pound 228, pound 297) and pound 204 ( pound 181, pound 255).

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide estimates of the immediate and long-term healthcare costs associated with seven diabetes-related complications.

The health care costs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the US

OBJECTIVE

Peripheral neuropathy is common among people with diabetes and can result in foot ulceration and amputation. The aim of this study was to quantify the annual medical costs of peripheral neuropathy and its complications among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cost-of-illness model was used to estimate the numbers of diabetic individuals in the U.S. who have diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and/or neuropathic foot ulcers (both those with no deep infection and those accompanied by cellulitis or osteomyelitis) at a given point in time, and/or a toe, foot, or leg amputation during a year. Prevalence and incidence rates were estimated from published studies and applied to the general U.S. population. All costs were estimated in 2001 U.S. dollars. In a sensitivity analysis, we varied the rates of complications to assess the robustness of the cost estimates.

RESULTS

The annual costs of DPN and its complications in the U.S. were 0.8 billion US dollars (type 1 diabetes), 10.1 billion US dollars (type 2 diabetes), and 10.9 billion US dollars (total). After allowing for uncertainty in the point estimates of complication rates, the range of costs were between 0.3 and 1.0 billion US dollars (type 1 diabetes), 4.3b and 12.7 billion US dollars (type 2 diabetes), and 4.6 and 13.7 billion US dollars (type 1 and type 2 diabetes).

CONCLUSIONS

The total annual cost of DPN and its complications in the U.S. was estimated to be between 4.6 and 13.7 billion US dollars. Up to 27% of the direct medical cost of diabetes may be attributed to DPN.

Cost of managing complications resulting from type 2 diabetes mellitus in Canada

BACKGROUND

Decision makers need to have Canadian-specific cost information in order to develop an accurate picture of diabetes management. The objective of this study is to estimate direct medical costs of managing complications of diabetes. Complication costs were estimated by applying unit costs to typical resource use profiles. For each complication, the event costs refer to those associated with the acute episode and subsequent care in the first year. State costs are the annual costs of continued management. Data were obtained from many Canadian sources, including the Ontario Case Cost Project, physician and laboratory fee schedules, formularies, reports, and literature. All costs are expressed in 2000 Canadian dollars.

RESULTS

Major events (e.g., acute myocardial infarction: 18,635 dollars event cost; 1,193 dollars state cost), generate a greater financial burden than early stage complications (e.g., microalbuminuria: 62 dollars event cost; 10 dollars state cost). Yet, complications that are initially relatively low in cost (e.g., microalbuminuria) can progress to more costly advanced stages (e.g., end-stage renal disease, 63,045 dollars state cost).

CONCLUSIONS

Macrovascular and microvascular complication costs should be included in any economic analysis of diabetes. This paper provides Canadian-based cost information needed to inform critical decisions about spending limited health care dollars on emerging new therapies and public health initiatives.