Assessment of components included in published societal perspective or QALY outcome economic analyses for antiepileptic drug treatment in chronic epilepsy

Economic and social cost of epilepsy in Poland: 5-year analysis

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy affects nearly 50 million people around the world. As a common and chronic disease generates a high cost burden for healthcare system and patients.

AIM

We aimed to determine the most current direct and indirect costs of epilepsy in Poland from the social perspective for the years 2014-2018, to analyze the changes of expenditures over time, indicate trends and to determine key cost-drivers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Direct and indirect costs using a top-down approach were estimated based on the public institutions' data for the ICD-10 codes G40 and G41. Direct costs included pharmacotherapy, hospitalizations, outpatient specialist care and rehabilitation. A human capital approach was used to estimate loss of productivity due to sick leaves and long-term inability to work.

RESULTS

Annual total direct and indirect costs related to epilepsy accounted for EUR 410 million in 2014 and decreased in subsequent years to EUR 361 million in 2018. The indirect costs were dominant (76-83% of total costs) and in the majority related to the long-term absenteeism (87-92% of total indirect costs). In 2014-2018, patients with epilepsy generated EUR 341 million to EUR 282 million of indirect costs. Annual direct costs for patients with epilepsy were EUR 69 million in 2014 and increased to EUR 80 million in 2018. The biggest expenses were the costs of drugs (> 50%) and hospitalizations (~ 40%).

CONCLUSIONS

Epilepsy is an expensive disorder in terms of consumption of resources and social costs. Decision-makers should take it under special consideration.