Cost-of-illness of psoriasis - results of a German cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Though psoriasis poses a substantial chronic socio-economic burden, few studies have addressed the economic impact in Germany.

Objectives

The objective was to evaluate the annual costs of psoriasis in Germany from the societal perspective.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in randomly selected German dermatology practices and clinics in 2013/2014 using standardised questionnaires of illness-related costs. Costs were grouped by perspective and category as well as analysed by sex and age. Group differences were tested by non-parametric tests.

Results

Complete data were obtained from 1,158 patients in 132 centres. Annual average costs for patients with psoriasis: Total costs € 5,543 ± € 8,044, systemic treatment costs (paid by the statutory health insurances (SHI)) € 3,733 ± € 7,322, out-of-pocket costs € 224 ± € 406, total SHI costs € 4,940 ± € 7,533, direct costs € 5,164 ± € 7,581 and indirect costs € 379 ± € 2,087. Significant higher costs in male and significant lower costs in 65+-year-old patients were found.

Conclusions

Psoriasis induces a considerable economic burden. Between 2003 and 2014, costs have markedly shifted from hospital, out-of-pocket and indirect costs towards systemic drug costs.

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