Cost and Healthcare Resource Utilization Associated With Chronic Inducible Urticaria: A Targeted Literature Review
Author(s)
Mukhtar Ahmad Dar, PhD1, Samprati Avasthi, MPH1, Ravneet Kaur Kohli, M Pharm1, panagiotis Orfanos, BSc, MPhil, MSc2.
1Novartis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, India, 2Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
1Novartis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, India, 2Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
OBJECTIVES: Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is characterized by recurrent itchy wheals and/or angioedema triggered by specific external stimuli lasting for >6 weeks. This research aimed to identify and summarize existing literature on healthcare resource utilization, costs and economic evaluations, in adult CIndU patients, and subsequently highlight relevant knowledge gaps.
METHODS: A targeted literature search was conducted across Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Health Technology Assessment, and national health service economic evaluation databases from inception to April 2025. Additionally, clinical trial registries, key conference proceedings and bibliographies were reviewed. Study selection, data extraction and reporting of findings were conducted following current best practices.
RESULTS: In five European countries (EU5), United States (US), and Japan, 89.0%-94.5% of patients with CIndU visited healthcare providers, with an average of 8.2-10.9 visits over past six months. Hospitalizations and emergency room (ER) visits were most frequent in US [46.7%; mean 2.7±10.6; and 51.8%; mean 1.9±3.8], and least frequent in Japan [14.7%; mean 0.3±1.2; and 8.6%; mean 0.3±1.1]. In US, total healthcare costs for CIndU increased from $15,569±$29,187 in year 1 to $21,904±$40,238 by year 8, driven primarily by medical costs (80%). Furthermore, the annualized total healthcare cost per person per year was $16,234±$5,647, including medical costs of $1,292±$12,607. In Japan, 81.1% of patients incurred out-of-pocket costs, with 9.5% spending over ¥10,000 monthly on prescription medications. Productivity impairment was substantial and higher in EU5 compared to Japan: absenteeism (21.9% vs 9.8%), presenteeism (42.4% vs 34.4%), overall work impairment (49.6% vs 37.9%), and activity impairment (45.6% vs 37.0%). Compared to psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, patients with CIndU reported significantly higher (p<0.001) ER visits, hospitalizations, and productivity loss.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight significant economic burden of CIndU, driven by high medical costs, persistent resource utilization, and productivity impairments, while also revealing a need for more research to guide effective management and resource allocation.
METHODS: A targeted literature search was conducted across Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Health Technology Assessment, and national health service economic evaluation databases from inception to April 2025. Additionally, clinical trial registries, key conference proceedings and bibliographies were reviewed. Study selection, data extraction and reporting of findings were conducted following current best practices.
RESULTS: In five European countries (EU5), United States (US), and Japan, 89.0%-94.5% of patients with CIndU visited healthcare providers, with an average of 8.2-10.9 visits over past six months. Hospitalizations and emergency room (ER) visits were most frequent in US [46.7%; mean 2.7±10.6; and 51.8%; mean 1.9±3.8], and least frequent in Japan [14.7%; mean 0.3±1.2; and 8.6%; mean 0.3±1.1]. In US, total healthcare costs for CIndU increased from $15,569±$29,187 in year 1 to $21,904±$40,238 by year 8, driven primarily by medical costs (80%). Furthermore, the annualized total healthcare cost per person per year was $16,234±$5,647, including medical costs of $1,292±$12,607. In Japan, 81.1% of patients incurred out-of-pocket costs, with 9.5% spending over ¥10,000 monthly on prescription medications. Productivity impairment was substantial and higher in EU5 compared to Japan: absenteeism (21.9% vs 9.8%), presenteeism (42.4% vs 34.4%), overall work impairment (49.6% vs 37.9%), and activity impairment (45.6% vs 37.0%). Compared to psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, patients with CIndU reported significantly higher (p<0.001) ER visits, hospitalizations, and productivity loss.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight significant economic burden of CIndU, driven by high medical costs, persistent resource utilization, and productivity impairments, while also revealing a need for more research to guide effective management and resource allocation.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE157
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies, Work & Home Productivity - Indirect Costs
Disease
Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin)