scholarly journals Adherence to Iron Chelation Therapy and Associated Healthcare Resource Utilization and Costs in Medicaid Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 2177-2177
Author(s):  
Francis Vekeman ◽  
Medha Sasane ◽  
Wendy Y Cheng ◽  
Agnihotram V Ramanakumar ◽  
Jonathan Fortier ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: While adherence to iron chelation therapy (ICT) is critical for successful iron overload (IO) treatment among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), published data indicate it is often suboptimal. Deferoxamine (DFO) and Deferasirox (DFX) are ICTs indicated for the treatment of chronic IO in patients with SCD. Lack of patient adherence may impact patient outcomes and increase cost of care. This study evaluated the economic burden of ICT non-adherence in patients with SCD from the state Medicaid program’s perspective. Methods: Patients with SCD were identified from Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and New Jersey (1997-2013) state Medicaid programs. Patients were required to have ≥1 ICD-9 diagnosis code for SCD (282.6), ≥1 prescription for DFO or DFX, and ≥6 months of continuous enrollment prior to the 1st DFO/DFX prescription (index date), which was defined as the baseline period. Adherence was estimated using the medication possession ratio (MPR), defined as the sum of the days of medication supply divided by the number of days between 1st and last prescription fill plus the days of supply of the last fill; a threshold of ≥0.80 was used to define optimal adherence. All-cause and SCD-specific resource utilization per-patient-per-month (PPPM) was assessed using cumulative rates, accounting for all visits observed, and compared between adherent and non-adherent patients using cumulative rate ratios (CRR). All-cause and SCD-specific healthcare costs were computed using mean cost PPPM. Regression models adjusting for baseline characteristics were used to assess resource utilization and cost differences between adherent and non-adherent patients. Results: A total of 846 eligible patients with SCD were included with 77 in DFO-only, 686 in DFX-only), and 83 in DFO/DFX switch cohort. Mean (SD) MPR was 0.68 (0.27) for DFO-only patients and 0.75 (0.26) for DFX-only patients (p<0.05). Among all users of ICT, 409 (48.3%) were considered adherent. Adherent patients were slightly younger (19 vs. 21 years, p=0.003) than non-adherent patients. Rates of transfusions were comparable between the two groups (mean [SD] transfusions PPPM, adherent: 0.41 [0.47]; non-adherent: 0.40 [0.54], p=0.456) at baseline. The adjusted rate of all-cause IP visits PPPM was lower in adherent versus non-adherent patients (CRR=0.87 [95% CI: 0.83, 0.91]; p<0.001). The adjusted rates of all-cause outpatient (OP) visits (1.10 [1.08, 1.13], p<0.001) and ER visits (1.06 [1.01, 1.10], p=0.010) PPPM of adherent patients were higher in adherent patients than those in non-adherent patients. A similar trend was observed in SCD-specific resource utilization except for rates of ER visits, which were similar between cohorts. From cost perspective, total all-cause and SCD-specific costs were lower in adherent versus non-adherent patients primarily due to lower IP costs (Table 1). SCD-specific ER and OP costs were similar in both cohorts. All-cause pharmacy costs were higher in adherent versus non-adherent patients. Conclusion: Published studies have reported low adherence to ICT, and a similar trend was found in this study. Adherent patients were observed to have less frequent hospitalizations and lower overall and SCD-specific IP costs compared to non-adherent patients. It should be noted that the rate of OP visits was higher in the adherent patients compared to non-adherent patients suggesting that adherent patients may be more closely monitored potentially resulting in better overall patient management and fewer hospitalizations. Additional analyses are needed to explore differences between adherent and non-adherent patients. Table 1 Costs PPPM Adherent patients (N=409) [A] Non-adherent patients (N=437) [B] Adjusted cost difference[A] – [B] P -value All-cause, mean [SD] $4,766 [$4,388] $5,304 [$4,725] -$724 0.072 Inpatient $1,911 [$3,647] $2,996 [$4,439] -$947 0.016 Emergency room $27 [$87] $40 [$88] -$203 0.104 Outpatient $580 [$697] $485 [$617] $49 0.500 Pharmacy $2,248 [$1,949] $1,783 [$1,449] $432 0.004 Pharmacy without ICT $215 [$482] $274 [$544] -$50 0.192 SCD-specific, mean [SD] $2,237 [$3,679] $3,116 [$4,301] -$952 0.0160 Inpatient $1,776 [$3,546] $2,782 [$4,268] -$855 0.0160 Emergency room $18 [$63] $28 [$69] -$199 0.1200 Outpatient $443 [$658] $306 [$548] $105 0.1120 Disclosures Vekeman: Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Sasane:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Cheng:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Ramanakumar:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Fortier:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Duh:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Paley:Novartis Pharma: Employment. Adams-Graves:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 2106-2106
Author(s):  
Lanetta B Jordan ◽  
Patricia Adams-Graves ◽  
Julie Kanter-Washko ◽  
Patricia Ann Oneal ◽  
Francis Vekeman ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2106 Introduction: Over the past few decades, lifespans of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have increased; hence, they encounter multiple complications. Early detection, appropriate comprehensive care, and treatment may prevent or delay onset of complications. There is a gap in the literature describing the SCD complication rates, blood transfusion patterns, iron chelation therapy (ICT) use, and associated resource utilization in SCD patients ≥16 years old. This study contributes to addressing this gap. Method: Medical records of 254 SCD patients ≥ 16 were retrospectively reviewed between August 2011 and July 2012 at three US tertiary care centers (University of Tennessee: 117; Tulane University: 72; Howard University: 65). Data were collected from patient's first visit after age 16 (index date) until the earliest indication of death, loss to follow-up, or last patient record on file prior to the centers' IRB submission dates. Patients were classified into one of three cohorts based on cumulative units of blood transfused and history of ICT: <15 units of blood and no ICT (minimally transfused, Cohort 1 [C1]), ≥15 units of blood and no ICT (Cohort 2 [C2]), and ≥15 units of blood and receiving ICT (Cohort 3 [C3]). SCD complication rates were expressed as the number of SCD complications recorded from patient charts per patient per year (PPPY) and compared among cohorts using rate ratios (RRs). Results: Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 consisted of 69, 91, and 94 patients, respectively. Mean (range) age at index date was similar across cohorts (27 yrs [16–65]) and all patients were African American. Mean length of observation was shorter among patients in C1 (yrs, C1: 6.6; C2: 8.2; C3: 8.1). Post index date, patients in C1 received an average of 1 unit of blood PPPY (p<0.001 vs. C2 and C3), whereas patients in C2 and C3 received an average of 10 and 15 units PPPY (p=0.112), respectively. Among patients with serum ferritin (SF) assessment within 60 days before ICT (n=57), mean (median) SF level was 4,881 ng/mL (4,040). Across all three cohorts, the most common SCD complication was acute pain crisis (69.8%), followed by infection/sepsis (5.1%), leg ulcers (2.9%), and avascular necrosis (2.3%). The rate (95% CI) of any SCD complications was the highest in C2 at 3.02 PPPY (2.89–3.14), followed by 2.26 PPPY (2.16–2.37) in C3, and 1.66 PPPY (1.54–1.77) in C1 (Table 1). Among transfused patients (C2+C3), those receiving ICT were less likely to experience SCD complications than those who did not (RR [95% CI] C2 vs. C3: 1.33 [1.25–1.42]). Similar trends (RR [95% CI]) were observed in emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations associated with SCD complications (C2 vs. C3, ER: 1.94 [1.70–2.21]; hospitalizations: 1.61 [1.45–1.78]), but not in outpatient visits. Conclusion: Results from this study highlight the significant burden of complications and the associated healthcare resource utilization for SCD patients. The results suggest that among regularly transfused patients, those who received ICT were less likely to experience complications than those without ICT. However, transfusions are not necessary for all patients with SCD and patients with more complications may have started transfusion therapy earlier. Patients receiving ICT may also receive closer monitoring, which may help with early identification and intervention to delay or prevent the development of complications and improve outcomes. Disclosures: Jordan: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Oneal:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Honoraria. Vekeman:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Bieri:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Research Funding. Sasane:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Marcellari:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Employment. Magestro:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Gorn:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Research Funding. Duh:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.


2018 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 943-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir K. Ballas ◽  
Amer M. Zeidan ◽  
Vu H. Duong ◽  
Michelle DeVeaux ◽  
Matthew M. Heeney

2010 ◽  
pp. 689-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet L. Kwiatkowski ◽  
John B. Porter ◽  
Martin H. Steinberg ◽  
Bernard G. Forget ◽  
Douglas R. Higgs ◽  
...  

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 982-982
Author(s):  
Lanetta B Jordan ◽  
Patricia Adams-Graves ◽  
Julie Kanter-Washko ◽  
Patricia A Oneal ◽  
Medha Sasane ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction While treating patients (pts) with sickle cell disease (SCD) can be costly, costs are not evenly distributed across pts; rather, a minority of pts accounts for a majority of costs. Identifying those pts who consume a disproportionately large share of healthcare resources can assist payers and providers in directing appropriate and targeted interventions to deliver better pt care with lower costs. The objective of this study was to understand characteristics of pts who have increased utilization of inpatient (IP) and emergency department (ED) resources in a population of SCD pts ≥16 years old. Method Medical records of 254 SCD pts ≥16 years old were retrospectively reviewed between 8/2011 and 7/2012 at three US tertiary care centers. The high utilization threshold was derived from the literature and defined as pts with ≥ 5 days of IP+ED care (assuming 1 day/ED visit) for SCD-related complications per year (high utilizer group). Pts were also classified into cohorts based on cumulative blood transfusion units and use iron chelation therapy (ICT): <15 units, no ICT (Cohort 1 [C1]), ≥15 units, no ICT (Cohort 2 [C2]), and ≥15 units, with ICT (Cohort 3 [C3]). SCD complication rates were expressed as the number of SCD complications per pt per year (PPPY); rate ratios (RRs) were used for cohort comparisons. A logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with high utilization of IP+ED care. Results Of the 254 pts (C1: 69, C2: 91, C3: 94), 30% (n =76) were classified as high utilizers (C1: 14 [18.4%], C2: 37 [48.7%], C3: 25 [32.9%]). Patients in the high utilizer group were younger (median [range] (21 years old [16-65], vs. 23 years old [16-59]) and had shorter follow-up (4.2 years [0.6-23.9], vs. 5.4 years [0.5-33.3]) compared to the rest of the sample. Those in the high utilizer group accounted for 68% of all SCD-related complications and over 88% of all IP+ED days for treatment of these complications. Similar to the rest of the sample, pain (81%) and infection (7%) were the two key complications seen in this high utilizer group. The rate of IP +ED days was significantly higher among the high utilizer group with 16.63 [16.28-16.99] IP+ED days PPPY compared to 0.89 [0.84-0.94] PPPY for other pts. Similarly, the high utilizer group had 4.58 [95% CI: 4.39-4.76] IP+ED visits PPPY, compared to 0.34 [0.31-0.37] visits PPPY for other pts (Table). Among regularly transfused pts (C2+C3) in the high utilizer group, those who received ICT had lower rates of IP+ED visits (C2 vs. C3 rate ratio [RR] [95% CI]: 1.31[1.20-1.44]), IP+ED days (C2 vs. C3 RR: 1.30 [1.24-1.36]), and readmission to IP+ED settings within 30 days (1.70 [1.49-1.93]) compared with those who did not (Table). History of infections (odds ratio: 7.45, p<0.0001) was associated with an increased risk of high utilization of IP+ED care. Conclusion Results from this study show that a relatively small fraction of SCD pts account for the majority of IP+ED visits. Moreover, among regularly transfused pts identified as high utilizers, those who received ICT had lower rates of IP+ED utilization than those who did not. Pts receiving ICT may also receive closer monitoring, which may help with early identification and intervention to delay or prevent the development of complications and improve outcomes. Closer management of pts with SCD, especially those at risk of becoming high utilizers, is critical to lowering IP+ED utilization and reducing the overall costs of care. Disclosures: Jordan: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy. Adams-Graves:Analysis Group, Inc.: Research Funding. Kanter-Washko:Analysis Group, Inc.: Research Funding. Oneal:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Honoraria; Analysis Group, Inc.: Research Funding. Sasane:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Vekeman:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Bieri:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Research Funding. Marcellari:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Employment. Magestro:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Adams:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Research Funding. Duh:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2671-2671
Author(s):  
Ismael Shaukat ◽  
Faraz Khan ◽  
Andrew Eisenberger ◽  
Marcus Stevenson ◽  
Alice J. Cohen

Abstract Abstract 2671 Background: Red cell transfusions play an integral role in the treatment and prevention of serious complications related to sickle cell disease. It has been shown that in other hemoglobinopathies, such as β-Thalassemia, patients (pts) suffer from iron overload which can result in end organ damage. There is concern that heavily transfused sickle cell pts may also develop iron overload with consequent morbidity and mortality. While pediatric pts routinely receive blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, adult pts often discontinue chronic transfusion programs and are transfused sporadically. These pts may not receive routine iron chelation therapy. Methods: A retrospective review of our sickle cell database from 1988–2010 which also included those pts who were not routinely followed at the comprehensive sickle cell clinic. Adult pts (>18 yrs of age) with serum ferritin (SF) levels >1000 ng/ml (criteria for iron overload in our institution) were identified and use of iron chelation was reviewed in this population. Clinical characteristics evaluated were age, type of sickle cell disease, frequency of transfusions (chronic vs. sporadic), total units transfused, use and type of chelation, as well as reasons for non-use of chelation therapy. Results: 65/170(38%) pts were identified with SF >1000. The mean age is 33 years (range 19–70). 38/65 (59%) have the SS phenotype, 25/65 (38%) have the Sβ phenotype and 2/65 (3%) have the SC phenotype. The mean SF is 3697 ng/ml (range 1012–14312). Of those pts considered to have iron overload, 28/65 (43%) were treated with iron chelation: 27/65 (42%) received deferasirox and 1/65 (2%) received deferoxamine. Of the untreated pts, 24/37 (65%) had no identifiable reason for lack of chelation therapy, 10/37 (27%) had renal dysfunction, 1/37(3%) had hepatic impairment. 16/65 (25%) were transfused chronically, while 49/65 (75 %) were transfused sporadically. Chronically transfused pts received a mean of 81 units throughout their lifetime, while sporadically transfused pts received 30 units (p=0.01). The mean SF for chronically transfused pts was 5891, while the mean SF for pts transfused sporadically was 2981 (p=0.01). Of pts transfused chronically, 11/16 (69%) were on chelation therapy. Of the pts receiving sporadic transfusions, only 16/49 (33%) were on iron chelation (p= 0.01). In all pts chronically transfused, the reason for non-use of chelation therapy was renal dysfunction. In sporadically transfused pts, 33/49 (51%) had no identifiable reason for lack of chelation therapy. Conclusion: SF levels are significantly lower in pts who are sporadically transfused, though levels are high. Adult pts receiving sporadic transfusions are not routinely receiving iron chelation therapy despite elevated SF. The need for chelation therapy in both sporadically and chronically transfused pts remains to be determined. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2001 ◽  
Vol 38 (1, Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 69-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan R. Cohen ◽  
Marie B. Martin

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