Objectives
Uveitis is defined as a sight-threatening inflammation of the uvea. Although relatively uncommon, non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis are associated with a high risk of complications and vision loss. The objective of this study was to estimate health care resource utilization and costs associated with this disease in Canada.
Methods
A retrospective medical chart review was performed in three hospitals in Canada. Eligible patients were ≥18 years old with a diagnosis of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis made on January 1st 2013 or before. Patients’ and disease characteristics as well as health care resource utilization for the management of uveitis were collected, including medical visits, inpatient and outpatient medical procedures, laboratory tests and medications. Data was collected from the date of diagnosis until death, loss to follow-up or end of data availability. Disease activity collected throughout the study period was defined according to the SUN Working Group and categorized as inactive, worsening, improved and remission. A uveitis flare-up was defined as a worsening activity.
Results
This study is ongoing and the first 10 patients are included in this analysis. Of these, 50% were male and the mean age at diagnosis was 44 years (SD=15). Proportion of intermediate, posterior and panuveitis was 60%, 20% and 20% respectively. Mean follow-up time was 10.0 years (SD=3.0). Mean annual number of flare-ups per patient was 0.6 (SD=0.4). Mean annual cost per patient was C$1,493 including medications (51%), medical visits (34%), medical procedures (11%) and laboratory tests (4%). Mean annual cost per patient who had 0.5 flare or less per year was C$713 (SD=919) (n=4) while mean annual cost per patient who had more than 0.5 flare per year was C$2,012 (SD=1,443) (n=6).
Conclusions
An increased number of uveitis flare-ups is associated with a higher amount of health care resource utilization and higher costs.
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