Medical costs associated with chronic kidney disease progression in an Asian population with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Cost-of-illness analysis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) management in the Philippines

AIMS

To conduct the first comprehensive cost-of-illness analysis for chronic kidney disease (CKD) management in the Philippines, estimating direct medical, direct non-medical, and indirect costs across all disease stages and renal replacement therapies (RRT).

METHODS

A combined top-down and bottom-up quantitative approach was employed. Cost data were collected through facility surveys, literature reviews, and expert panel input. The analysis included cost estimated for both non-diabetic and diabetic CKD scenarios across all stages and RRT modalities. Direct medical costs, transportation costs, and productivity losses were calculated for each CKD stage and RRT option.

RESULTS

Annual costs for CKD management increased progressively with disease advancement, ranging from PHP 44,610.36 to PHP 116,590.24 for non-diabetic patients and PHP 46,451.88 to PHP 120,948.12 for diabetic patients, excluding complication-related expenses. Significant cost increases were observed between stages G2-G3a and G3b-G4. Analysis of RRT showed comparable annual direct medical costs across modalities (∼PHP 401,000-560,000), with differences primarily observed in annual direct non-medical and indirect costs, which were lower in transplant recipients compared to patients on maintenance dialysis (PHP 37,920-246,480 for dialysis; PHP 3,160 for KT recipients).

LIMITATIONS

The study primarily focused on urban and semi-urban healthcare facilities, potentially limiting generalizability to rural areas. Long-term cost trajectories and quality-of-life measures were not captured due to the cross-sectional nature of the data.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis provides crucial evidence supporting early detection and intervention strategies in CKD management. It suggests the promotion of peritoneal dialysis as a cost-effective first-line therapy and highlights the long-term economic benefits of kidney transplantation. The findings have significant implications for health policy and clinical practice in the Philippines, offering a foundation for evidence-informed decision-making to improve CKD management sustainability and patient outcomes.

The direct cost of chronic kidney disease (CKD) reported in Asian countries; a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

The direct and indirect costs of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are substantial and increase over time. Concerns regarding our capacity to manage the financial burden that CKD) places on patients, caregivers, and society are raised by its increasing prevalence and progression. Lack of awareness of CKD's economic effects is a major reason that lawmakers and administrators pay little attention to this chronic illness.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze the direct burden of CKD across Asian countries and evaluate the main cost drivers among all mentioned cost centers in previous studies.

METHODOLOGY

Related works evaluating the expenditures of CKD from the perspective of the patient were interpreted by a thorough search of PUBMED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR.

RESULTS

Country-wise, in Asia, the direct mean average medical costs in RRT patients were reported in 8 studies as $4574, $18668, $2901, $6848, $16669, $3489, $5945, and $6344 in Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, China, Jordan, Vietnam, Lebanon, and India respectively and the direct mean average medical costs in non-RRT patients were reported in six studies as $3412, $2241, $4534, $290 and $1500 in Singapore, Japan, China, Vietnam, and India respectively.

CONCLUSION

Hemodialysis is the main cost driver having an average mean cost of $23,358 per patient per year while the average mean cost of disease management is $4977 per patient per year. More research is needed to understand the specific economic challenges disadvantaged populations face, including the impact of income, education, and access to healthcare resources on the financial burden of CKD.

Cost-effectiveness of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for advanced chronic kidney patients in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Hyperkalaemia (HK) is prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic heart failure, especially if they are treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi). This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a newly developed anti-HK therapy, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), to the current standard of care for treating HK in advanced CKD patients from the Singapore health system perspective.

METHODS

We adapted a global microsimulation model to simulate individual patients' potassium level trajectories with baseline potassium ≥5.5 mmol/L, CKD progression, changes in treatment, and other fatal and non-fatal events. Effectiveness data was derived from ZS-004 and ZS-005 trials. Model parameters were localised using CKD patients' administrative and medical records at the Singapore General Hospital Department of Renal Medicine. We estimated the lifetime cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of each HK treatment, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SZC.

RESULTS

SZC demonstrated cost-effectiveness with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratsio of SGD 45 068 per QALY over a lifetime horizon, below the willingness-to-pay threshold of SGD 90 000 per QALY. Notably, SZC proved most cost-effective for patients with less severe CKD who were concurrently using RAASi. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, accounting for alternative parameter values and statistical uncertainty.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes the cost-effectiveness of SZC as a treatment for HK, highlighting its potential to mitigate the risk of hyperkalaemia and optimise RAASi therapy. These findings emphasise the value of integrating SZC into the Singapore health system for improved patient outcomes and resource allocation.

Disparities in ethnicity and metabolic disease burden in referrals to nephrology

Introduction

The profile of patients referred from primary to tertiary nephrology care is unclear. Ethnic Malay patients have the highest incidence and prevalence of kidney failure in Singapore. We hypothesised that there is a Malay predominance among patients referred to nephrology due to a higher burden of metabolic disease in this ethnic group.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study. From 2014 to 2018, a coordinator and physician triaged patients referred from primary care, and determined co-management and assignment to nephrology clinics. Key disease parameters were collated on triage and analysed.

Results

A total of 6,017 patients were studied. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 16 years. They comprised 57% men; 67% were Chinese and 22% were Malay. The proportion of Malay patients is higher than the proportion of Malays in the general population (13.4%) and they were more likely than other ethnicities to have ≥3 comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease and stroke (70% vs. 57%, P < 0.001). Malay and Indian patients had poorer control of diabetes mellitus compared to other ethnicities (glycated haemoglobin 7.8% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.001). Higher proportion of Malay patients compared to other ethnicities had worse kidney function with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 on presentation (28% vs. 24%, P = 0.003). More ethnic Malay, Indian and younger patients missed appointments.

Conclusion

A disproportionately large number of Malay patients are referred for kidney disease. These patients have higher metabolic disease burden, tend to miss appointments and are referred at lower eGFR. Reasons underpinning these associations should be identified to facilitate efforts for targeting this at-risk population, ensuring kidney health for all.

Association between lower phase angle and chronic kidney disease progression in type 2 diabetes patients

Introduction

Phase angle (PhA), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), is the angle of vector determined by the body's resistance and reactance. It indicates cellular integrity and hydration status. Though extracellular volume excess was associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, the association between PhA and CKD progression is unknown. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is a member of zinc-dependent endopeptidase family and promotes renal interstitial fibrosis. We investigated association between PhA and CKD progression, and whether the association was through MMP-2 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Method

We conducted a prospective study on 1,078 patients with T2DM (mean age 58.9±9.1 years). PhA was measured using BIA. CKD progression was defined as ≥25% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline with deterioration across eGFR categories. Multiplex immunoassay was used to quantitate MMP-2. We examined association between PhA and CKD progression using Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for demographics, clinical parameters and medications.

Results

Over 8.6 years of follow-up, 43.7% of participants had CKD progression. Compared to tertile 3 PhA (higher level), tertiles 1 and 2 PhA were associated with higher hazards of CKD progression, with corresponding unadjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.80-2.87, P<0.001) and 1.57 (95% CI 1.24-2.01, P<0.001). The positive association between tertiles 1 and 2 PhA with CKD progression persisted in the fully adjusted model with corresponding HRs of 1.71 (95% CI 1.30-2.26, P<0.001) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.13-1.88, P=0.004). MMP-2 accounted for 14.7% of association between tertile 1 PhA and CKD progression.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a previously unobserved association between BIA-derived lower PhA and CKD progression through MMP-2 in patients with T2DM.

Cost of cardiovascular diseases and renal complications in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A retrospective analysis of claims database

BACKGROUND

The burden of macro- and microvascular complications in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is substantial in Middle East countries. The current study assessed the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs related to cardiovascular and renal complications among patients with T2DM.

METHODOLOGY

This non-interventional, longitudinal, retrospective, cohort study collected secondary data from three insurance claims databases across Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) of patients diagnosed with T2DM. The study included adult patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with first cardiovascular disease (CVD) during index time period and at least one T2DM claim anytime during the study time period. The primary analyses were conducted per database, stratified by three cohorts; patients with at least one claim every six months during the 1-year pre-index and 1-year post-index period (cohort 1), patients with at least one claim every six months during the 1-year pre-index, and two years post-index period (cohort 2) and patients with at least one claim every six months during the 1-year pre-index and 3-year post-index period (cohort 3). For each Payer database, demographics, CVD subgroups, HCRU, and costs were analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

The study sample comprised of 72-78% male and 22-28% female T2DM patients with CVD and renal complications. Patients in the age group of 35-65 years or above contributed to the significant disease burden. Nearly 68 to 80% of T2DM patients developed one CVD event, and 19 to 31% of patients developed multiple CVD events during the follow-up period. For most patients with comorbid CVD and renal disease, the average HCRU cost for post‑index periods was higher compared to 1-year pre-index period across the different visit types and activities.

CONCLUSION

The study findings elucidates the need for early initiation of therapies that would reduce the long-term cardiovascular and renal outcomes and the associated costs in patients with T2DM.

Race, Income, and Medical Care Spending Patterns in High-Risk Primary Care Patients: Results From the STOP-DKD (Simultaneous Risk Factor Control Using Telehealth to Slow Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease) Study

Rationale & Objective

Little is known about how socioeconomic status (SES) relates to the prioritization of medical care spending over personal expenditures in individuals with multiple comorbid conditions, and whether this relationship differs between Blacks and non-Blacks. We aimed to explore the relationship between SES, race, and medical spending among individuals with multiple comorbid conditions.

Study Design

Cross-sectional evaluation of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial.

Setting & Participants

The STOP-DKD (Simultaneous Risk Factor Control Using Telehealth to Slow Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease) study is a completed randomized controlled trial of Duke University primary care patients with diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Participants underwent survey assessments inclusive of measures of socio-demographics and medication adherence.

Predictors

Race (Black or non-Black) and socioeconomic status (income, education, and employment).

Outcomes

The primary outcomes were based on 4 questions related to spending, asking about reduced spending on basic/leisure needs or using savings to pay for medical care. Participants were also asked if they skipped medications to make them last longer.

Analytical Approach

Multivariable logistic regression stratified by race and adjusted for age, sex, and household chaos was used to determine the independent effects of SES components on spending.

Results

Of 263 STOP-DKD participants, 144 (55%) were Black. Compared with non-Blacks, Black participants had lower incomes with similar levels of education and employment but were more likely to reduce spending on basic needs (29.2% vs 13.5%), leisure activities (35.4% vs 20.2%), and to skip medications (31.3% vs 15.1%), all P < 0.05. After multivariable adjustment, Black race was associated with increased odds of reduced basic spending (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.14-4.60), reduced leisure spending (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.05-3.58), and skipping medications (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.12-4.04).

Limitations

This study was conducted at a single site in Durham, North Carolina, and nearly exclusively included insured patients. Further, the impact of the number of comorbid conditions, medication costs, or copayments was not assessed.

Conclusions

In primary care patients with multiple chronic diseases, Black patients are more likely to reduce spending on basic needs and leisure activities to afford their medical care than non-Black patients of equivalent SES.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT01829256

Cost of Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Based on Real-World Data: An Observational Population-Based Study in Spain

This study analyzed the prevalence, costs and economic impact of chronic kidney disease CKD in patients with T2D in a Spanish Health District using real-world data. Observational cross-sectional study in adult patients with T2D was through data extracted from the information systems of the Valencia Clínico–La Malvarrosa Health District in the year 2015. Patients were stratified with the KDIGO classification for CKD. Additionally, patients were assigned to Clinical Risk Groups (CRGs) according to multimorbidity. Direct costs of primary and specialized care, and medication were estimated. The prevalence of T2D in the database population (n = 28,345) was 10.8% (mean age (SD) = 67.8 years (13.9); 51.5% male). Up to 14.935 patients (52.6%) had data on kidney function. According to the KDIGO classification, 66.2% of the patients were at low risk of CKD, 20.6% at moderately increased risk, 7.9% at high risk, and 5.2% at very high risk. The average healthcare costs associated with these four risk groups were EUR 3437, EUR 4936, EUR 5899 and EUR 7389, respectively. The large number of T2D patients with CKD in the early stages of the disease generated a significant increase in direct healthcare costs. The economic impact could be mitigated by early and comprehensive therapeutic approaches.

Costs and healthcare utilisation of patients with chronic kidney disease in Spain

BACKGROUND

Data about the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on health care costs in Spain are scarce This study was aimed to evaluate cumulative costs and healthcare utilisation in CKD in Spain.

METHODS

Observational, retrospective, population-based study, which included adults who received care for CKD between 2015 and 2019. Healthcare and medication costs were summarized on a yearly basis starting from the index date (1st January 2015), and then cumulatively until 2019.

RESULTS

We identified 44,214 patients with CKD (year 2015: age 76.4 ± 14.3 years, 49.0% women, albumin-to-creatinine ratio 362.9 ± 176.8 mg/g, estimated glomerular filtration rate 48.7 ± 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2). During the 2015-2019 period, cumulative CKD associated costs reached 14,728.4 Euros, being cardiovascular disease hospitalizations, particularly due to heart failure and CKD, responsible for 77.1% of costs. Total medication cost accounted for 6.6% of the total cost. There was a progressive decrease in cardiovascular disease hospital costs per year (from 2741.1 Euros in 2015 to 1.971.7 Euros in 2019). This also occurred with cardiovascular and diabetic medication costs, as well as with the proportion of hospitalizations and mortality. Costs and healthcare resources use were higher in the DAPA-CKD like population, but also decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 2015 and 2019, costs of patients with CKD in Spain were high, with cardiovascular hospitalizations as the key determinant. Medication costs were responsible for only a small proportion of total CKD costs. Improving CKD management, particularly with the use of cardiovascular and renal protective medications may be helpful to reduce CKD burden.

Low muscle mass is associated with progression of chronic kidney disease and albuminuria - An 8-year longitudinal study in Asians with Type 2 Diabetes

AIMS

We examined the longitudinal relationship between baseline skeletal muscle mass and its change over time with eGFR decline and albuminuria progression among Asians with type 2 diabetes(T2D).

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of 1272 T2D patients. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using tetra-polar multi-frequency bio-impedance analysis and Skeletal Muscle Mass Index(SMI) was defined as skeletal muscle mass/weight * 100.

RESULTS

After up to 8 years of follow-up, 33.3% of participants had CKD progression and 28.3% albuminuria progression. Every 1-SD above baseline SMI was associated with 18% lower risk of CKD progression[Hazards Ratio(HR)0.82; 95%CI 0.70-0.97; p = 0.018] and 17% lower risk of albuminuria progression [HR 0.83 (95%CI 0.71-0.97; p = 0.017)]. The largest decrease in SMI over time was associated with 67% higher risk of CKD progression, compared to those with the smallest change from baseline SMI tertile 2[HR 1.67 (95%CI 1.10-2.55); p = 0.016]. Pigment epithelium-derived factor(PEDF) and plasma leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein (LRG1) accounted for 40.1% of the association between SMI and CKD progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Low baseline skeletal muscle mass and its reduction over time is associated with increased risk of progression of CKD among Asians with T2D. PEDF and LRG1 mediated the inverse relationship between SMI and CKD progression.

Payer budget impact of an artificial intelligence in vitro diagnostic to modify diabetic kidney disease progression

AIM

To evaluate the U.S. payer budget-impact of KidneyIntelX, an artificial intelligence-enabled in vitro diagnostic to predict kidney function decline in Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease (T2DKD) patients, stages 1-3b.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed an Excel-based model according to International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) good practices to assess U.S. payer budget impact associated with the use of the KidneyIntelX test to optimize therapy T2DKD patients compared to standard of care (SOC) (without KidneyIntelX). A hypothetical cohort of 100,000 stages 1-3b T2DKD patients was followed for 5 years. Peer-reviewed publications were used to identify model parameter estimates. KidneyIntelX costs incremental to SOC (without KidneyIntelX) included test cost, additional prescription medication use, specialist referrals and PCP office visits. Patients managed with KidneyIntelX experienced a 20% slowed progression rate compared to SOC (without KidneyIntelX) attributed to slowed DKD progression, delayed or prevented dialysis and transplants, and reduced dialysis crashes. Associated costs were compared to SOC (without KidneyIntelX). Sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying the definition of progression and the DKD progression rate associated with KidneyIntelX testing and related interventions.

RESULTS

Projected undiscounted base case 5-year savings for 100,000 patients tested with KidneyIntelX were $1.052 billion, attributed mostly to slowed progression through DKD stages. The breakeven point for the health plan adopting KidneyIntelX is expected to occur prior to year 2 after adoption. Sensitivity analysis based on the assessment of the most conservative definition of progression and a 5% reduction in progression rate attributed to KidneyIntelX, resulted in a projected 5-year savings of $145 million associated with KidneyIntelX.

LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Limitations included reliance on literature-based parameter estimates, including effect size of delayed progression supported by the literature. Incorporating KidneyIntelX in contemporary care of early-stage T2DKD patients is projected to result in substantial savings to payers.

Medical Costs Associated with Severity of Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Singapore

Introduction: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study to assess the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its severity in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on direct medical costs, and the effects of economic burden on CKD related complications in T2DM in Singapore. Methods: A total of 1,275 T2DM patients were recruited by the diabetes centre at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital from 2011–2014. CKD stages were classified based on improving global outcome (KDIGO) categories, namely the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria kidney disease. Medical costs were extracted from the hospital administrative database. Results: CKD occurred in 57.3% of patients. The total mean cost ratio for CKD relative to non-CKD was 2.2 (P<0.001). Mean (median) baseline annual unadjusted costs were significantly higher with increasing CKD severity—S$1,523 (S$949), S$2,065 (S$1,198), S$3,502 (S$1,613), and S$5,328 (S$2,556) for low, moderate, high, and very high risk respectively (P<0.001). CKD (P<0.001), age at study entry (P=0.001), Malay ethnicity (P=0.035), duration of diabetes mellitus (DM; P<0.001), use of statins/fibrates (P=0.021), and modified Diabetes Complications Severity Index (DCSI) (P<0.001) were positively associated with mean annual direct medical costs in the univariate analysis. In the fully adjusted model, association with mean annual total costs persisted for CKD, CKD severity and modified DCSI. Conclusion: The presence and increased severity of CKD is significantly associated with higher direct medical costs in T2DM patients. Actively preventing the occurrence and progression in DM-induced CKD may significantly reduce healthcare resource consumption and healthcare costs. Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, costs, endocrinology, nephrology

Nut Consumption and Renal Function Among Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Nut intake has been associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk, but few studies have examined its association with renal function. We examined associations between nut intake and renal function among women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a population with an increased risk for renal dysfunction.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included 607 women with a history of GDM who participated in the Diabetes & Women's Health Study (2012-2014) follow-up clinical examination in Denmark. At the clinic, biospecimens were collected, and habitual intake of nuts (9 types) in the past year was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. A total of 330 women free of major chronic diseases were included in the analysis. Total nut intake was classified as none (≤1 serving/month), monthly (2-3 servings/month), weekly (1-6 servings/week), and daily (≥1 serving/day). One serving was defined as 28 g. Renal function markers included estimated glomerular rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), calculated based on plasma creatinine (mg/dL), and urinary albumin (mg/L), and creatinine (mg/dL) measurements, respectively. We estimated percent differences with 95% confidence intervals for each outcome by nut intake, adjusted for current body mass index, age, physical activity, energy intake, alcohol consumption, and vegetables intake.

RESULTS

We observed a nonlinear association between total nut intake and UACR with lowest UACR values among women with weekly intake. Compared to women with weekly intake (n = 222), the adjusted UACR values were higher by 86% [95% confidence interval: 15%, 202%], 24% [-1%, 54%], and 117% [22%, 288%] among women with no (n = 13), monthly (n = 86), and daily (n = 9) intake, respectively. Compared to weekly consumers, daily nut consumers also had 9% [0%, 19%] significantly higher eGFR values, but eGFR values were similar among women with no and monthly intake.

CONCLUSION

Moderate nut consumption may be beneficial to kidney health among women with prior GDM.

Association between Sarcopenia and Renal Function in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Previous studies involving patients with diabetes have indicated that sarcopenia is related to renal function. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between sarcopenia and urinary albumin level, urinary protein level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Data were extracted from studies investigating the association between sarcopenia and urinary albumin level, urinary protein level, and eGFR and by calculating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate pooled OR and 95% CI. Six studies (2662 patients) that met the criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with urinary albumin level with a pooled OR of 2.11 (95% CI, 1.55-2.88; P < 0.001). The pooled ORs of the associations between sarcopenia and urinary protein level and decreased eGFR were 1.82 (95% CI, 1.13-2.92; P = 0.01) and 3.75 (95% CI, 1.24-11.41), respectively. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with urinary albumin level, urinary protein level, and decreased eGFR. However, further investigations are needed, including meta-analyses with a larger number of studies.