Indirect Costs of Rheumatoid Arthritis Depending on Type of Treatment—A Systematic Literature Review

Bogdan Batko, Paulina Rolska-Wójcik and Magdalena Władysiuk
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Bogdan Batko: Department of Rheumatology, J. Dietl Specialist Hospital, Skarbowa 1 St, 31-121 Cracow, Poland
Paulina Rolska-Wójcik: HTA Consulting, Starowislna 17/3 St, 31-038 Cracow, Poland
Magdalena Władysiuk: HTA Consulting, Starowislna 17/3 St, 31-038 Cracow, Poland

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-16

Abstract: The economic burden of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on society is high. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the cornerstone of therapy. Biological DMARDs are reported to prevent disability and improve quality of life, thus reducing indirect RA costs. We systematically reviewed studies on the relationship between RA and indirect costs comparing biological treatment with standard care. Studies, economic analyses, and systematic reviews published until October 2018 through a MEDLINE search were included. A total of 153 non-duplicate citations were identified, 92 (60%) were excluded as they did not meet pre-defined inclusion criteria. Sixty-one articles were included, 17 of them (28%) were reviews. After full-text review, 28 articles were included, 11 of them were reviews. Costs associated with productivity loss are substantial; in several cases, they may represent over 50% of the total. The most common method of estimation is the Human Capital method. However, certain heterogeneity is observed in the method of estimating, as well as in the resultant figures. Data from included trials indicate that biological therapy is associated with improved labor force participation despite an illness, in which the natural course of disease is defined by progressive work impairment. Use of biological DMARDs may lead to significant indirect cost benefits to society.

Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis; productivity loss; workplace; absenteeism; cost of illness; economic burden; indirect cost; presenteeism; sick leave; systematic review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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