PP135 The Cost-Of-Illness Of The Management Of Patients Affected By Hyperparathyroidism In The Italian Healthcare Setting

Abstract

Introduction

Hyperparathyroidism is a medical condition characterized by an excess of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood. This hormone is produced by the parathyroid glands, located behind the thyroid gland. PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body, which is necessary for muscle activity, nerve transmission, and maintaining bone density. In this study, the authors aimed to determine the parameters necessary for defining the delivery process of interventions for managing hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

To achieve this, a group of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) was surveyed using a questionnaire to investigate specific drivers such as the duration of interventions, drug therapies employed, and materials required. The authors also estimated the indirect costs associated with patients and caregivers. The economic analysis considered the perspectives of both the Italian National Health Service (SSN) and the community. The analysis was conducted using Activity Based Costing (ABC) methods to determine the full cost sustained for a parathyroidectomy surgery and pharmacological therapies per patient treated, as well as the average resources absorbed by a patient managed through pure surveillance.

Results

The results showed that the average annual cost of parathyroidectomy and pharmacological therapies per patient was EUR5,193.20 and EUR1,726.96, respectively. Productivity losses due to the interventions amounted to EUR858.21 and EUR66.80 for the patient and caregiver, respectively. The pure surveillance strategy incurred an average yearly cost of EUR197.42.

Conclusions

The study’s major limitation was the lack of evidence available concerning the therapies under analysis, particularly in the Italian context. Nonetheless, the survey of clinicians provided useful insights into the expenditures associated with implementing interventions for managing hyperparathyroidism. In conclusion, managing hyperparathyroidism involves considerable costs, and healthcare providers must consider the perspectives of both the SSN and the community when estimating the economic impact of interventions. The authors’ analysis provides insights into the cost of different interventions, which could help healthcare providers make informed decisions when managing hyperparathyroidism.