Direct Economic Impact of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis on the Brazilian Private Healthcare System: A Real-World Data Analysis
Author(s)
Carlos F. Salgado De Santana, PharmD1, Gabriela Assuncao, MD1, Magali Caregatti, BSC2, Robson Bruniera de Oliveira, BSC2, Fernandes Taís Bertoldo Teixeira, BSC2.
1Boehringer Ingelheim Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil, 2Orizon Healthtech, Barueri, Brazil.
1Boehringer Ingelheim Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil, 2Orizon Healthtech, Barueri, Brazil.
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare, progressive interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis and significant healthcare demands. In Brazil, the absence of national clinical guidelines for IPF treatment within the public health system contributes to variability in care pathways, especially in the private sector. This study aimed to assess the direct economic impact of IPF on the Brazilian private healthcare system by analyzing healthcare utilization, hospitalization rates, health resource utilization, and associated costs.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using real-world data from a private administrative claims database, representing approximately 23% of Brazil’s privately insured population. Patients that presented IPF (ICD-10 J84.1) between January 2012 and December 2022 were included, And followed for 2 years prior and 1 year after the first event. Healthcare resource utilization and associated costs were analyzed, including hospitalizations, ICU admissions, rehospitalizations. All costs were inflation-adjusted to December 2023 values using the Brazilian IPCA index.
RESULTS: A total of 1,376 IPF patients were identified. During the study period, 86% experienced at least one hospitalization, with a mean hospitalization cost of BRL 317,330 per patient. Specific IPF-related hospitalizations accounted for 60% of patients, with a mean cost of BRL 161,718 per event. ICU utilization occurred in 41% of patients, generating an average ICU cost of BRL 49,796 per patient. Rehospitalizations within 30 days occurred in 17% of patients, with a mean cost of BRL 123,887 per event. Overall, the total direct medical cost amounted to BRL 487.4 million, with IPF-specific treatment costs representing 28% of this total.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite its relative rarity, IPF imposes a substantial economic burden on the Brazilian private healthcare system, primarily driven by hospitalizations and ICU stays. These findings underscore the need for early diagnosis, optimized disease management, and efficient healthcare resource allocation to mitigate the high direct costs associated with IPF.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using real-world data from a private administrative claims database, representing approximately 23% of Brazil’s privately insured population. Patients that presented IPF (ICD-10 J84.1) between January 2012 and December 2022 were included, And followed for 2 years prior and 1 year after the first event. Healthcare resource utilization and associated costs were analyzed, including hospitalizations, ICU admissions, rehospitalizations. All costs were inflation-adjusted to December 2023 values using the Brazilian IPCA index.
RESULTS: A total of 1,376 IPF patients were identified. During the study period, 86% experienced at least one hospitalization, with a mean hospitalization cost of BRL 317,330 per patient. Specific IPF-related hospitalizations accounted for 60% of patients, with a mean cost of BRL 161,718 per event. ICU utilization occurred in 41% of patients, generating an average ICU cost of BRL 49,796 per patient. Rehospitalizations within 30 days occurred in 17% of patients, with a mean cost of BRL 123,887 per event. Overall, the total direct medical cost amounted to BRL 487.4 million, with IPF-specific treatment costs representing 28% of this total.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite its relative rarity, IPF imposes a substantial economic burden on the Brazilian private healthcare system, primarily driven by hospitalizations and ICU stays. These findings underscore the need for early diagnosis, optimized disease management, and efficient healthcare resource allocation to mitigate the high direct costs associated with IPF.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE332
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Rare & Orphan Diseases, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)