Prevalence of Vitiligo among Children and Adolescents in the United States

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy loss of skin pigmentation. Up to 2.16% of pediatric patients may have vitiligo. This study estimated vitiligo point prevalence in children and adolescents (ages: 4-11 and 12-17 years) in the United States (US).

METHODS

An online, population-based survey of a nationally representative sample of individuals based on 2017 US Census Bureau estimates for age, race, Hispanic origin, income, and geographic region was conducted from December 2019 to March 2020. Parent/legal guardian proxies responded on behalf of their children or adolescents to vitiligo screening questions. Proxy-reported vitiligo status was adjudicated by expert dermatologists who reviewed photographs of vitiligo lesions uploaded by proxies using a teledermatology application. Estimated point prevalence (including diagnosed and undiagnosed vitiligo and its subtypes) was calculated for proxy-reported and clinician-adjudicated vitiligo.

RESULTS

There were 9,118 eligible proxy responses (5,209 children, mean age 7.7 years; 3,909 adolescents, mean age 14.4 years). The proxy-reported vitiligo prevalence (95% confidence interval) for children and adolescents was 1.52% (1.11-1.93) and 2.16% (1.66-2.65), respectively. The clinician-adjudicated prevalence (sensitivity analysis bounds) was 0.84% (0.83-1.23) and 1.19% (1.18-1.74), respectively. Approximately 69% of children and 65% of adolescents had nonsegmental vitiligo (clinician adjudicated) and up to 50% may be undiagnosed.

CONCLUSION

Based on the clinician-adjudicated prevalence estimates, there were more than 591,000 cases of vitiligo in children and adolescents in the US in 2020. More than two-thirds had nonsegmental vitiligo and nearly half may be undiagnosed. Future studies should confirm these findings.

Real-World Evaluation of Clinical Response and Long-Term Healthcare Resource Utilization Patterns Following Treatment with a Digital Therapeutic for Chronic Insomnia

Background and Objectives

This analysis evaluated insomnia severity and long-term impact on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs after treatment with Somryst^® (previously called SHUTi), a digital therapeutic delivering cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

Methods

Change from baseline in insomnia severity index (ISI) score was assessed using last observed ISI score. A pre/post analysis of claims data was conducted, comparing HCRU in patients with self-identified sleep problems who successfully initiated the therapeutic (index date) between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018.

Results

A total of 248 patients were analyzed (median age 56.5 years, 57.3% female, mean ISI score 19.13, 52.4% treated with sleep aid medications pre-index). After 9 weeks, mean ISI score declined by 37.2% from baseline (19.1 vs 12.0), 58.8% of patients achieved ISI responder status (ISI score improved by =>7; NNT: 1.7), and 26.6% of patients achieved insomnia remission (ISI score <8; NNT for remission: 3.8). After two-year follow-up, post-index events were reduced (compared to 2 years pre-index) for emergency department visits (-53%; IRR: 0.47; 95% CI 0.27, 0.82; P=0.008), hospiatizations (-21%; IRR: 0.79; 95% CI 0.46, 1.35; P=0.389) and hospital outpatient visits (-13%; IRR: 0.87; 95% CI 0.66, 1.14; P=0.315). Slightly increased rates were observed for ambulatory surgical center visits (2%; IRR: 1.02; 95% CI 0.73, 1.44; P=0.903) and office visits (2%; IRR: 1.02; 95% CI 0.92, 1.14; P=0.672). The number of patients treated with sleep aid medications dropped 18.5% (52.4% pre-index vs 42.7% post-index). Average number of prescriptions decreased from 3.98 pre-index to 3.73 post-index (P= 0.552). Total two-year cost reduction post-index vs pre-index was $510,678, or -$2059 per patient.

Conclusion

In a real-world cohort of patients with chronic insomnia, treatment with a digital therapeutic delivering CBT-I was associated with reductions in insomnia severity, emergency department visits, and net costs.

0480 Reduction in health care-related costs after initiation of treatment with a prescription digital therapeutic for chronic insomnia: two-year follow up analysis of health care claims data

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the first FDA-authorized prescription digital therapeutic (PDT) for adults with chronic insomnia that delivers evidence-based treatment (Somryst, previously called SHUTi). FDA considers PDTs to be prescription-only neurobehavioral devices that provide a computerized version of condition-specific behavioral therapy as an adjunct to clinician supervised outpatient treatment.

Methods

A pre/post multi-payer analysis of claims data was conducted, comparing two-year pre- and post-index healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in an all-comer population of patients with self-identified sleep problems across the United States who activated the PDT between February 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018 (Index). HCRU categories assessed were: hospitalizations, treat-and-release emergency department (ED) visits, ambulatory surgical center (ASC) visits, hospital outpatient department (HOPD) visits, office visits, number of sleep medication prescriptions, and associated health care costs. Costs were estimated by multiplying HCRU by published average costs for each medical resource.

Results

252 patients initiating the PDT were analyzed (mean age 54.2 years, 57.5% female). Compared to the pre-index period, post-index events were reduced for ED (-56.2%; P=0.001), hospitalizations (-20.9%; P=0.4), sleep medication use (-8.9%; P=0. 0.377), HOPD (-8.3%; P=0.522), and ASC (-6.7%; P=0.695). Post-index events were slightly increased for office visits (+0.7%; P=0.891). Total estimated two-year cost savings associated with the reduced rates of all services except office visits was $494,634, or $1,963 per patient.

Conclusion

In a real-world cohort of patients with self-identified sleep problems, treatment with a PDT delivering digital CBT-I was associated with clinically meaningful net reductions in health-related services and associated costs.

Support (If Any)

This analysis was funded by Pear Therapeutics, Inc.

Treatment Patterns and Health Resource Utilization in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Failure of Sorafenib in Real-World Setting in Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to characterize current treatment patterns and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) observed among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after the failure of sorafenib in real-world setting in Taiwan.

METHODS

A chart review was conducted in 130 patients; the inclusion criteria were patients with HCC who were aged 20 years or older and had received systemic therapy or best supportive care after failure of first-line systemic treatment with sorafenib between 2016 and 2018. Anonymized data on patient characteristics, treatment pathways, and survival were abstracted.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 61.7 years (range 27-84); of these 130 patients, 103 (79%) were male, 81 (62%) had high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (≥400 ng/mL), and 96 (78.0%) were deceased at the time of data abstraction. After sorafenib therapy, 60 patients (46%) received systemic therapy, including nivolumab monotherapy (42%) and chemotherapy (25%). Oncologist visits at a semiannual per-patient rate of 3.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-4.0) and hospitalizations at rate of 1.1 (95% CI 1.0-1.3) were the key contributors to HRU. Semiannual per-patient hospitalization rate was 1.3 (95% CI 1.1-1.5) in the high-AFP group. Median survival from discontinuation of sorafenib was 6.9 months (95% CI 5.9-9.0).

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world evidence research on treatment patterns reflected substantial HRU consistent with the severity of HCC, particularly in the high-AFP group. Findings highlighted continuing high mortality in HCC, underlying a need for new treatments that can lengthen survival. Results can inform future evaluations of new HCC treatments that estimate the health economic impact of their adoption in Taiwan.

Prevalence of Vitiligo Among Adults in the United States

Question

What is the current point prevalence of vitiligo among adults in the US?

Findings

This cross-sectional, population-based online survey study of more than 40 000 adults in the US was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020. Participant self-report, and adjudication of vitiligo by 3 dermatologists through participant submission of photographs of their skin lesions, resulted in an estimated point prevalence for diagnosed and undiagnosed vitiligo combined of 1.38% (self-reported) and 0.76% (clinician adjudicated).

Meaning

This study provides current US population-based point prevalence estimates of all vitiligo, beyond just the diagnosed population, including estimates for undiagnosed, segmental, and nonsegmental vitiligo.

Importance

Vitiligo can have profound effects on patients and is often associated with other autoimmune comorbid conditions. It is important to understand the current prevalence of vitiligo, including diagnosed, undiagnosed, and subtypes (nonsegmental and segmental).

Objective

To estimate the point prevalence of vitiligo in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

For this population-based study of adults in the US, a cross-sectional online survey was administered between December 2019 and March 2020 to obtain participant self-reported vitiligo status. A representative sample of the US adult general population, aged 18 to 85 years, was recruited using a stratified proportional, sampling design from general population research panels. Additionally, 3 expert dermatologists adjudicated participants’ self-reported vitiligo diagnosis by reviewing photographs uploaded by the participants using a teledermatology app designed and tested specifically for this study.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were the point prevalence estimates of overall vitiligo, as well as diagnosed, undiagnosed, nonsegmental, and segmental vitiligo.

Results

Among the 40 888 eligible adult participants, the mean (SD) age was 44.9 (17.4) years, 23 170 (56.7%) were female, 30 428 (74.4%) were White, and 4225 (10.3%) were of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin. Self-reported vitiligo prevalence was 1.38% (95% CI, 1.26%-1.49%), with 0.77% (95% CI, 0.68%-0.85%) for diagnosed and 0.61% (95% CI, 0.54%-0.69%) for undiagnosed. Based on expert dermatologist review of 113 photographs of participants with self-reported vitiligo, clinician-adjudicated vitiligo prevalence (sensitivity bounds) was 0.76% (0.76%-1.11%), with 0.46% (0.46%-0.61%) for diagnosed and 0.29% (0.29%-0.50%) for undiagnosed. Self-reported nonsegmental vitiligo prevalence was 0.77% (95% CI, 0.68%-0.85%), with 0.48% (95% CI, 0.41%-0.55%) for diagnosed and 0.29% (95% CI, 0.23%-0.34%) for undiagnosed. Clinician-adjudicated nonsegmental vitiligo prevalence (sensitivity bounds) was 0.58% (0.57%-0.84%), with 0.37% (0.37%-0.49%) for diagnosed and 0.21% (0.20%-0.36%) for undiagnosed. Self-reported segmental vitiligo prevalence was 0.61% (95% CI, 0.53%-0.69%), with 0.28% (95% CI, 0.23%-0.33%) for diagnosed and 0.33% (95% CI, 0.27%-0.38%) for undiagnosed. Clinician-adjudicated segmental vitiligo prevalence (sensitivity bounds) was 0.18% (0.18%-0.27%), with 0.09% (0.09%-0.12%) for diagnosed and 0.08% (0.08%-0.15%) for undiagnosed.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this survey study demonstrated that the current US population-based prevalence estimate of overall (diagnosed and undiagnosed combined) vitiligo in adults is between 0.76% (1.9 million cases in 2020) and 1.11% (2.8 million cases in 2020). Additionally, this study suggests that approximately 40% of adult vitiligo in the US may be undiagnosed. Future studies should be performed to confirm these findings.

Comparison of complication and conversion rates between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic rectal resection for rectal cancer: which patients and providers could benefit most from robotic-assisted surgery?

AIMS

To compare (1) complication and (2) conversion rates to open surgery (OS) from laparoscopic surgery (LS) and robotic-assisted surgery (RA) for rectal cancer patients who underwent rectal resection. (3) To identify patient, physician, and hospital predictors of conversion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A US-based database study was conducted utilizing the 2012-2014 Premier Healthcare Data, including rectal cancer patients ≥18 with rectal resection. ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedural codes were utilized to identify surgical approaches, conversions to OS, and surgical complications. Propensity score matching on patient, surgeon, and hospital level characteristics was used to create comparable groups of RA\LS patients (n = 533 per group). Predictors of conversion from LS and RA to OS were identified with stepwise logistic regression in the unmatched sample.

RESULTS

Post-match results suggested comparable perioperative complication rates (RA 29% vs LS 29%; p = .7784); whereas conversion rates to OS were 12% for RA vs 29% for LS (p < .0001). Colorectal surgeons (RA 9% vs LS 23%), general surgeons (RA 13% vs LS 35%), and smaller bed-size hospitals (RA 14% vs LS 33%) have reduced conversion rates for RA vs LS (p < .0001). Statistically significant predictors of conversion included LS, non-colorectal surgeon, and smaller bed-size hospitals.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective observational study limitations apply. Analysis of the hospital administrative database was subject to the data captured in the database and the accuracy of coding. Propensity score matching limitations apply. RA and LS groups were balanced with respect to measured patient, surgeon, and hospital characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to LS, RA offers a higher probability of completing a successful minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer patients undergoing rectal resection without exacerbating complications. Male, obese, or moderately-to-severely ill patients had higher conversion rates. While colorectal surgeons had lower conversion rates from RA than LS, the reduction was magnified for general surgeons and smaller bed-size hospitals.

Burden of HIV-Related Neuropathic Pain in the United States

BACKGROUND

HIV-related neuropathic pain (HIV-NeP) is common; however, the burden of HIV-NeP is not well-understood.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the HIV-NeP burden. A total of 103 patients with HIV-NeP recruited during routine office visits completed a questionnaire to assess patient-reported outcomes, including pain severity, health status, sleep, mood, and lost productivity. Physicians completed a 6-month retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

The sample was predominantly male and not employed for pay. A majority (75.7%) of patients experienced moderate or severe pain. Pain interference, general health, physical health, and depression were worse among patients with more severe pain (all Ps < .006). Most (87.4%) patients were prescribed at least 1 medication for NeP. HIV-related neuropathic pain was associated with 36.1% work impairment. Adjusted annualized costs increased with increasing pain severity (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

The impact of HIV-NeP on health status, physical function, and depression increases with severity, resulting in substantial clinical and economic burden.

Use of a bipolar sealer in total hip arthroplasty: medical resource use and costs using a hospital administrative database

Perioperative blood loss during total hip arthroplasty (THA) increases patient morbidity, length of stay (LOS), medical resource use (MRU), and costs. Minimizing blood loss may reduce postoperative anemia, the need for blood transfusions, and the increased risk of infections and longer hospital stays associated with blood transfusions. Pharmacologic agents and bipolar sealer devices can minimize perioperative bleeding. A retrospective, comparative cohort study in the US hospital setting was conducted to assess MRU and associated costs and the incidence of transfusion and complications among patients undergoing THA with or without the use of a bipolar sealer. Using a nationwide all-payer hospital administrative database, THA procedures from January 1, 2008, to March 31, 2011, were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure code 81.51. The bipolar sealer cohort (n=2683) and matched control cohort (n=2683) had a mean age of 65 years from 38 hospitals. The 2 groups had similar incidences of pre-operative anemia and medical comorbidities. Patients in the bipolar sealer group required significantly fewer blood transfusions (21.3% vs 23.8%; P=.0286) and had significantly lower incidence of hematomas (0.2% vs 0.9%; P=.0015) and significantly shorter LOS (2.90 vs 3.31 days; P<.0001) overall. The bipolar sealer group had higher supply costs, which were offset by reduced hospital inpatient room and board and operating room costs; there was no significant difference in total hospital costs between the 2 groups ($18,937 vs $18,734; P=.56). A bipolar sealer decreases postoperative blood transfusions and LOS during primary THA without increasing total hospital costs.

Reported side effects, bother, satisfaction, and adherence in patients taking hydrocodone for non-cancer pain

OBJECTIVE

Pain is a prevalent condition that often involves a neuropathic component. Hydrocodone is one of the most widely used opioids for pain but is often associated with side effects (SEs). This study sought to characterize the experience of patients taking hydrocodone for non-cancer pain.

METHODS

A nationwide survey of adults in the United States taking hydrocodone for non-cancer pain was conducted. The survey included questions to characterize these patients and their experience with hydrocodone-related SEs. A neuropathic pain subgroup also was examined.

RESULTS

Among 630 respondents, the average age was 50.1 years (14.25). Most (90.6 percent) were Caucasian and 72.5 percent were female. Back pain or low back pain was the most common (42.1 percent) type of pain. Almost three-fourths (73.3 percent) experienced at least one SE, and 67.3 percent reported being bothered. More than three-fourths (78.3 percent) reported being satisfied with hydrocodone relieving pain; however, less (74.8 percent) reported being satisfied with it overall. More than one-fourth (27.6 percent) reported taking hydrocodone less than instructed with 41.4 percent of them reporting that SEs were bothersome as a reason. A greater percent of the neuropathic pain subgroup (266 respondents) experienced at least one SE (80.8 percent) and were bothered by them (75.6 percent). Overall satisfaction was slightly lower (71.1 percent) among these respondents, and among the 24.8 percent taking less than instructed, more than half (54.5 percent) reported that SEs were bothersome as a reason.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates an unmet need for better therapeutic options to manage pain, including neuropathic pain. Therapies that offer improved tolerability also may increase adherence, which could affect overall satisfaction and response to pain management.

Burden of illness associated with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy among adults seeking treatment in the US: results from a retrospective chart review and cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to characterize the burden of illness among adult subjects with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) seeking treatment in the US.

METHODS

This observational study recruited 112 subjects with pDPN during routine visits from general practitioner and specialist sites. Subjects completed a one-time questionnaire, which included demographics, symptom duration, health care resource use, out-of-pocket costs, employment status, and validated measures that assessed pain, functioning, sleep, anxiety and depression, health status, and productivity. Investigators completed a case report form based on a 6-month retrospective chart review to capture clinical information, pDPN-related treatments, and other pDPN-related health care resource use over the past 6 months. Annualized costs were extrapolated based on reported 6-month health care resource use.

RESULTS

The mean age of the subjects was 61.1 years, 52.7% were female, and 17.9% were in paid employment. The most common comorbid conditions were sleep disturbance/insomnia (43.8%), depressive symptoms (41.1%), and anxiety (35.7%). The mean pain severity score was 5.2 (0-10 scale), and 79.5% reported moderate or severe pain. The mean pain interference with function score was 5.0 (0-10 scale) overall, with 2.0 among mild, 5.1 among moderate, and 7.0 among severe. The mean Medical Outcomes Study sleep problems index score was 48.5 (0-100 scale). The mean health state utility score was 0.61. Among subjects employed for pay, mean overall work impairment was 43.6%. Across all subjects, mean overall activity impairment was 52.3%. In total, 81.3% were prescribed at least one medication for their pDPN; 50.9% reported taking at least one nonprescription medication. Adjusted mean annualized total direct and indirect costs per subject were $4841 and $9730, respectively. Outcomes related to pain interference with function, sleep, health status, activity impairment, prescription medication use, and direct and indirect costs were significantly worse among subjects with more severe pain (P < 0.0020).

CONCLUSION

Subjects with pDPN exhibited high pain levels, which were associated with poor sleep, function, and productivity. Health care resource utilization in pDPN was prevalent and costs increased with greater pain severity. The burden of pDPN was greater among subjects with greater pain severity.

Economic study on the impact of side effects in patients taking oxycodone controlled-release for noncancer pain

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is a prevalent condition in the United States. Musculoskeletal pain, including joint and back pain, is the most common type of chronic pain, and many patients with back pain have a neuropathic component. Pain has direct economic consequences. While oxycodone controlled-release (CR) is one of the most widely used oral long-acting opioids for pain, including pain with a neuropathic component, it is often associated with bothersome side effects, resulting in additional medical resource use (MRU) and costs.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact on MRU and costs to payers of side effects in patients taking oxycodone CR alone or in combination with other pain medications for noncancer pain (including those with neuropathic pain symptoms).

METHODS

A nationwide convenience sample of adults in the United States, who participated in a survey research panel and reported current use of oxycodone CR for noncancer pain, completed an online survey between November 2, 2010, and December 13, 2010. Respondents were excluded if they reported current use of other extended-release or long-acting opioid prescription medications. The survey consisted of questions on demographics, clinical characteristics, pain characteristics, experience with pain medication, and MRU associated with side effects. Payer costs were calculated based on the MRU reported by the respondents multiplied by Medicare reimbursement rates for hospitalizations and outpatient visits and average wholesale price (AWP) minus 20% for medications. A subgroup of patients who reported neuropathic pain symptoms also was examined.

RESULTS

After applying the exclusion criteria, 432 respondents completed the survey. Approximately half of the respondents (n = 219; 50.7%) reported neuropathic pain symptoms. The majority of respondents were Caucasian (88.4%) and female (63.7%) with an average age of 41.8 years (14.89). Respondents most frequently reported low back pain (41.2%), followed by osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis (20.4%), neuropathic pain (10.6%), and fibromyalgia (9.0%). Respondents reported having their pain condition for an average of 5.4 (7.42) years. On days when taken, respondents reported a mean oxycodone CR daily dose of 83.3 mg (126.93) taken in an average of 2 doses. Most respondents (82.4%) reported experiencing at least 1 side effect with 77.5% being bothered by at least 1 side effect. The most frequently reported side effects ( greater than 25%) were drowsiness (41.4%), constipation (37.0%), fatigue or daytime sleepiness (36.6%), and dizziness (27.1%). Among respondents who reported being bothered by one or more side effects in the previous month, MRU associated with side effects was reported by 39.1% of respondents and significantly increased as the level of side-effect bother increased from 19.8% among those "A little bit bothered" to 38.4% among those "Bothered" to 61.0% among those "Extremely bothered" (P less than 0.001). Additionally, total average payer costs (in 2010 dollars) per respondent in the previous month associated with side effects were $238 ($1,159) and also significantly increased as the level of side-effect bother increased from $61 ($512) among those "A little bit bothered" to $238 ($1,160) among those "Bothered" to $425 ($1,561) among those "Extremely bothered" (P less than 0.001). Results reported in the neuropathic pain subgroup were similar to results reported in the total study sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Among adults taking oxycodone CR for chronic noncancer pain (with or without a neuropathic pain component), over three-fourths reported being bothered by side effects. Respondents who reported higher levels of side-effect bother also reported greater MRU, resulting in increased payer costs. The results of this study provide further support of the econo-mic burden to payers associated with opioid-related side effects in patients with chronic noncancer pain, with and without neuropathic pain.

The comparative economic burden of mild, moderate, and severe fibromyalgia: results from a retrospective chart review and cross-sectional survey of working-age U.S. adults

BACKGROUND

Patients with fibromyalgia report persistent widespread pain, fatigue, and substantial functional limitations, which may lead to high health resource use (HRU) and lost productivity. Previous analyses of the U.S. population have not examined the direct and indirect costs of fibromyalgia by severity level.

OBJECTIVES

To assess (a) HRU, direct and indirect costs associated with fibromyalgia in routine clinical practice in the United States using a patient-centric approach, and (b) the relationship of fibromyalgia severity level to HRU and costs.

METHODS

This study recruited a nonprobability convenience sample of 203 subjects aged 18 through 65 years between August 2008 and February 2009 from 20 U.S. community-based physician offices. Subjects had a prior diagnosis of fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist, neurologist, or pain specialist; received treatment at the enrolling physician's practice for at least 3 months; experienced widespread pain for at least 3 months; and experienced pain in the previous 24 hours. Subjects completed a 106-item patient questionnaire that included 5 validated health-related quality-of-life instruments and study-specific questions about demographics; clinical history; overall health; treatment satisfaction; and impact of fibromyalgia on cognitive function, daily activities, and employment status. Subjects also self-reported hours of unpaid informal caregiver time because of inability to perform daily activities (e.g., housework, child care), out-of-pocket expenses for medical and nonmedical services, and lost productivity related to fibromyalgia for the previous 4 weeks. The 20-item Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire total score was used to stratify subjects into fibromyalgia severity groups (0 to less than 39 = mild, 39 to less than 59 = moderate, 59 to 100 = severe). Staff at each site recorded clinical characteristics, HRU, and medication use attributable to fibromyalgia on a paper clinical case report form (CRF) based on a 3-month retrospective medical chart review. Unit costs for 2009 were assigned to the 3-month HRU data reported on the CRF and 4-week subject-reported lost productivity. Costs were then annualized and reported in the following categories: direct medical, direct nonmedical, and indirect. Differences across severity levels were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test (continuous measures) and Pearson chi-square or Fisher's exact tests (categorical measures) at the 0.05 alpha level.

RESULTS

Of the 203 subjects, 21 (10.3%) had mild, 49 (24.1%) had moderate, and 133 (65.5%) had severe fibromyalgia. For subjects with mild, moderate, and severe fibromyalgia, respectively, the number of fibromyalgia-related medications (3-month means: 1.8, 2.3, and 2.8, P = 0.011) and office visits to health care providers (3-month means: 2.7, 5.2, and 6.9, P < 0.001) significantly differed across severity levels. Across severity levels, total medical and nonmedical out-of-pocket costs also differed (P = 0.025). Mean [median] 3-month total direct costs (including payer costs for HRU and out-of-pocket costs for medical and nonmedical services) were $1,213 [$1,150], $1,415 [$1,215], and $2,329 [$1,760] for subjects with mild, moderate, and severe fibromyalgia, respectively (P = 0.002); and mean [median] 3-month indirect costs (including subject-reported absenteeism, unemployment, disability, and the estimated value of unpaid informal care) were $1,341 [$0], $5,139 [$1,680], and $8,285 [$7,030] (P < 0.001). Mean total indirect costs accounted for 52.5%, 78.4%, and 78.1% of mean total costs for subjects with mild, moderate, and severe fibromyalgia, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct and indirect costs related to fibromyalgia are higher among subjects with worse fibromyalgia severity. Indirect costs account for a majority of fibromyalgia-related costs at all fibromyalgia severity levels.

The comparative burden of mild, moderate and severe fibromyalgia: results from a cross-sectional survey in the United States

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic, widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms; yet few studies have comprehensively assessed its humanistic burden. This observational study evaluates the impact of FM severity on patients' symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and productivity in the United States.

Methods

203 FM subjects were recruited from 20 physician offices. Subjects completed a questionnaire including the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF), Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and questions about demographics, pain and other symptoms, HRQoL and productivity. FIQ total scores were used to define FM severity, with 0- < 39, 39- < 59, and 59-100, representing mild, moderate, and severe FM, respectively. Sites recorded subjects' clinical characteristics and FM treatment on case report forms using medical records. Summary statistics were calculated for continuous variables and frequency distributions for categorical variables. Differences across FM severity groups were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis or Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was evaluated at the 0.05 level.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 47.9 (10.9); 95% were female. Most (92%) were prescribed medication for FM; 24% and 66% reported moderate and severe FM, respectively. Mean (SD) scores were: 6.3 (2.1) for pain intensity; 0.35 (0.35) for EQ-5D; 30.7 (14.2) for MAF; 57.5 (18.4) for MOS-SS Sleep Problems Index; 10.2 (4.8) for HADS anxiety and 9.4 (4.4) for HADS depression. Subjects with worse FM severity reported significantly increased pain severity, HRQoL, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression (p < 0.001). Overall, 50% of subjects reported some disruption in their employment due to FM; this differed across severity levels (p < 0.001). Employed subjects missed a mean (SD) of 1.8 (3.9) workdays during the past 4 weeks; this also differed across severity levels (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

FM imposes a substantial humanistic burden on patients in the United States, and leads to substantial productivity loss, despite treatment. This burden is higher among subjects with worse FM severity.

Treatment patterns among physician specialties in the management of fibromyalgia: results of a cross-sectional study in the United States

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by persistent and widespread pain and often associated with other symptoms and comorbidities. Thus, FM patients seek care from multiple physician specialties. This study compared prescribing patterns, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), healthcare resource use (HRU), and direct costs related to FM in routine clinical practice across physician specialties.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, observational study recruited 203 FM subjects from 20 community-based physician offices (eight primary care, six rheumatology, three neurology, three psychiatry). Subjects completed questions about pain, other symptoms, quality of life, productivity, treatment effectiveness and satisfaction, and out-of-pocket expenses related to FM; site staff recorded subjects' treatment and HRU based on medical chart review. Results were compared across specialties. Statistical significance was evaluated at the 0.05 level. Annual direct costs associated with FM were calculated in 2009 US dollars.

RESULTS

Subject demographic and clinical characteristics were not significantly different across physician specialties, except psychiatry subjects had the highest mean number of co-morbid conditions; p < 0.001. PROs were similar across physician specialties except fatigue; neurology subjects reported the highest levels. There were no significant differences in subject-reported outcomes of medication effectiveness (p = 0.782) and medication satisfaction (p = 0.338) for FM. Psychiatry subjects had more FM-related physician visits compared to other specialties (p = 0.013) and a higher proportion received diagnostic tests related to FM (p = 0.013). The mean (SD) number of FM prescription medications prescribed per subject was highest in the primary care and lowest in the neurology group; p = 0.024. The proportion of hypnotic (p = 0.001), muscle relaxant (p = 0.005), anxiolytic (p = 0.005), anti-epileptic (p = 0.007), and other medications (p = 0.044) prescribed for FM were significantly different across specialties. Overall direct medical costs did not differ significantly (p = 0.284) across specialties.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient characteristics were similar across specialties, except with regards to comorbidity burden. This study noted significant differences among physician specialties in HRU and treatment patterns among medications, diagnostics, and outpatient visits. Consistent with other studies, this study did not identify a dominant strategy for FM management across physician specialties as overall per patient medical costs and subject-reported treatment satisfaction were similar. Future research to better characterize differences among physician specialties in FM management, as well as the reasons for these differences, would be useful.