Delayed CKD Diagnosis Linked to Rising Healthcare Costs
summary of the Study on Primary Hyperoxaluria (PH) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
This study analyzed US healthcare claims data to understand the burden of primary hyperoxaluria (PH), particularly in patients who also have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
Study Design & Cohorts:
* PH Cohort: Included 326 patients with PH (identified by ≥1 medical claim between Jan 2020-Dec 2021). Estimated ~4500 PH patients in the US in 2021.
* PH with CKD Cohort: 37% of PH patients also had CKD (estimated ~1600 patients).CKD stages were:
* Early (Stages 1-3): 65%
* advanced (Stages 4-5): 33%
* Unknown: 2%
* CKD-Only Cohort: Matched group of patients with CKD alone, continuously enrolled for 6 months after their CKD claim.
Key Findings:
* Underdiagnosis: The study suggests PH is likely underdiagnosed and its prevalence is higher than previously thought.
* Increased Burden with PH & CKD: Patients with both PH and CKD experienced:
* Higher Kidney Stone Burden: Significantly more kidney stones compared to those with CKD alone (P < .01).
* Increased Treatment rates: greater use of pharmacotherapy and medical treatments.
* Higher Healthcare Costs: Median semiannual all-cause healthcare costs were significantly higher:
* Advanced CKD + PH: $54,154 vs. $35,016 (CKD alone)
* Early CKD + PH: $9784 vs. $5572 (CKD alone)
Conclusion:
The study highlights the substantial clinical and economic burden faced by patients with PH, especially when it co-occurs with CKD.It emphasizes the need for improved diagnosis and management of PH.