Management of Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis Costs in the Poor Insured Population of the Colombian Atlantic Coast

OBJECTIVES: The study's expanded objective is to conduct a thorough cost analysis of high-cost medications, specifically biologics, in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, with the aim of optimizing per capita spending. This includes evaluating the impact of biologic drugs on overall healthcare costs, in a population of 2.5 million on the Colombian Atlantic coast with insurance coverage.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and financial data of patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis treated over the last two years (january 2022 - August 2023). Models were utilized to identify treatment strategies for high-cost drugs, specifically biologics. The study compared direct and indirect costs associated with different treatment modalities.

RESULTS: After analyzing data from January 2022 to August 2023, we've confirmed the diagnosis of 47,582 active patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in the system, reflecting a 2% prevalence in the studied population. Of these, 1,786 patients are prescribed specific medications, with 502 suffering from severe diseases requiring biologic treatments. These 502 patients account for 85.3% of the total medication costs. Additionally, 151 patients have comorbidities; 111 of these also have a diagnosis of hypertension or type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 22 are diagnosed with mental health conditions. The majority, 58%, are female, while 42% are male, with the largest patient population in the departments of Córdoba (30%), Bolívar (29%), and Atlántico (19%). The total cost for these 502 patients over the analyzed period is USD 4,025,909.12, with 258 (51%) diagnosed with psoriasis incurring costs of USD 2,631,818.58 and 244 (49%) with atopic dermatitis incurring costs of USD 1,394,090.54.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a 2% prevalence of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, with 85.3% of treatment costs attributed to a small subset requiring biologic therapies. The findings offer recommendations for health policies and clinical practices aimed at the efficient use of resources.