Economic Burden of Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (PPF) in the Brazilian Private Healthcare System
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.
OBJECTIVES: Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (PPF) is a fibrosing phenotype of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), often developing in patients with systemic autoimmune or connective tissue disorders. Globally, the clinical trajectory and associated burden of PPF are increasingly recognized; however, in Brazil, limited monitoring and possible underdiagnosis may obscure the true magnitude of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the direct economic impact and healthcare resource use associated with PPF in Brazilian private healthcare system.
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. Two distinct cohorts were defined to explore the economic implications of a probable disease progression: In Group 1 were included beneficiaries with pre-existing ILDs who later developed fibrotic progression, identified by ICD-10 codes J84.x. Group 2 comprised all beneficiaries presenting any J84.x diagnosis, regardless of previous clinical history. This dual-group design enabled comparative analysis of costs and healthcare utilization. Total direct medical costs and procedures relevant to disease monitoring (spirometry, oxygen therapy, and chest CT) were evaluated over a 12-month period following the first event.
RESULTS: Among 15,526 patients in Group 1, 94 progressed to PPF (incidence: 605 per 100,000). Their total one-year healthcare cost post-J84.x diagnosis was BRL4.8 million, with a mean of BRL50,729 per patient. Group 2 included 4,174 patients, with total costs of BRL396 million and an average of BRL94,976 per patient in the first year after the first event.For procedures of interest, Group 1 patients (n=94) incurred BRL234,830 in total (mean: BRL2,498), while Group 2 patients (n=2,819) accounted for BRL16.4 million (mean: BRL5,805).
CONCLUSIONS: PF imposes a substantial burden on Brazil’s private healthcare system. Comparisons between groups indicate potential gaps for patients who progressed from underlying ILDs. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive management, highlighting opportunities to enhance care.
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. Two distinct cohorts were defined to explore the economic implications of a probable disease progression: In Group 1 were included beneficiaries with pre-existing ILDs who later developed fibrotic progression, identified by ICD-10 codes J84.x. Group 2 comprised all beneficiaries presenting any J84.x diagnosis, regardless of previous clinical history. This dual-group design enabled comparative analysis of costs and healthcare utilization. Total direct medical costs and procedures relevant to disease monitoring (spirometry, oxygen therapy, and chest CT) were evaluated over a 12-month period following the first event.
RESULTS: Among 15,526 patients in Group 1, 94 progressed to PPF (incidence: 605 per 100,000). Their total one-year healthcare cost post-J84.x diagnosis was BRL4.8 million, with a mean of BRL50,729 per patient. Group 2 included 4,174 patients, with total costs of BRL396 million and an average of BRL94,976 per patient in the first year after the first event.For procedures of interest, Group 1 patients (n=94) incurred BRL234,830 in total (mean: BRL2,498), while Group 2 patients (n=2,819) accounted for BRL16.4 million (mean: BRL5,805).
CONCLUSIONS: PF imposes a substantial burden on Brazil’s private healthcare system. Comparisons between groups indicate potential gaps for patients who progressed from underlying ILDs. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive management, highlighting opportunities to enhance care.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE364
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal), Rare & Orphan Diseases, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)