EVALUATION OF COST UTILITY ANALYSIS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL. A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL PHARMACOECONOMIC STUDY
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Keywords
Osteoarthritis, Knee, Cost-Utility Analysis, Pharmacoeconomics, Quality of Life, Pharmacological Management
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a prevalent condition that impacts the quality of life significantly. With the global population aging, effective and economically viable management strategies are essential. This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility of various management strategies for knee OA in a tertiary care setting.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, over the year 2018. Participants included outpatients diagnosed with knee OA, aged 35 to 65 years, meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study utilized the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) Grading for assessing OA severity and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) for quality of life assessments. Participants were divided into two treatment groups: oral medications and intra-articular corticosteroids. Cost-utility was analyzed by comparing direct medical costs and quality of life improvements.
Results: The study included 300 patients, highlighting a higher prevalence of OA among females, particularly aged 60-65. Comorbidities like diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension were significantly associated with OA. Obesity was identified as a significant risk factor. The cost utility analysis showed a notable reduction in cost per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained after treatment. Quality of life, as measured by SF-36, improved significantly in both treatment groups. Pharmacological management, including the use of analgesics, topical NSAIDs, and Symptomatic Slow-Acting Drugs for OA (SYSADOAs), was emphasized as effective.
Conclusion: The study underscores the economic and health burden of knee OA, advocating for a holistic and multifaceted treatment approach. The findings support the importance of pharmacoeconomics in improving healthcare accessibility and highlight the potential for optimizing OA management to reduce its economic and health impacts
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Dr. Deepak Kumar T
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Nagapattinam
Dr. Kasiarasi Balasubramanian
Assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, Vinayak Mission’s Medical College and Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Karaikal, Puducherry.