Speaker(s)
Mostaza JM1, Martinez I2, Games JM3, Pallares V4, Campuzano R5, Egocheaga I6, Castellanos M7, Gomez Cerezo J8, Morant Talamante N9, Rodriguez Barrios JM9, Sicras-Mainar A10, Pérez Román I11, Parrondo García FJ12, Barrios V13
1La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, 2Son Spases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, 3Son Llazer University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, 4Unión de Mutuas, Castellón, Spain, 5Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital, Alcorcón, Spain, 6Clinic Centre Isla de Oza, Madrid, Spain, 7A Coruña University Hospital & Biomedical Research institute, A Coruña, Spain, 8Infanta Sofia University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, 9Novartis Spain, Barcelona, M, Spain, 10Atrys Health, Badalona. Barcelona, B, Spain, 11Atrys Health, Madrid, M, Spain, 12Novartis Spain, Coslada, M, Spain, 13Ramon Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, M, Spain
BACKGROUND: Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by elevated plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), tendon xanthomas and increased risk of early cardiovascular disease (CVD) but easily treatable with LDL-c lowering strategies. HeFH causes morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately 85% of males and 50% of females with FH will suffer a coronary event before 65 years old if appropriate preventive efforts are not implemented. Early identification of persons with FH and an early start of treatment can prevent premature cardiovascular events and death in this population. OBJECTIVES:
Estimate the average annual follow up cost per patient diagnosed with HeFH in Spain.
METHODS:
A retrospective observational study of the electronic medical records of patients from the BIG-PAC® database (patients from 7 integrated areas of 7 Spanish Regions; n=1.8 million) was carried out. Patients diagnosed with HeFH between 1/1/2017 and 12/31/2018 were included. Direct healthcare costs (DHCC) were calculated from the consumption of resources during follow-up (two years from diagnosis) and the mean of the Regions official published tariff. The indirect non-health costs (INHCC) associated with the loss of productivity were determined. All costs were updated to €2021.
RESULTS:
A total of 572 patients diagnosed with HeFH were detected (Average Age 60.1 years; 48.6% males). During follow-up, 32 patients (5.6%) suffered a Cardiovascular event and 22 died (3.8%). The mean costs per patient in the first year were €7,548 (DHCC) and €1,584 (INHCC), and €7,130 (DHCC) and €1,981 (INHCC) in the second year.
CONCLUSIONS:
Patients with HeFH have a high morbidity and mortality and represent a considerable social and healthcare cost if LDL-c lowering treatment is not started early. Developing preventive programs and controlling cardiovascular risk factors could help reduce mortality and cost for the Spanish National Health System.
