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Research Article
Long-term morbidity, mortality, and economics of rheumatoid arthritis
Article first published online: 10 DEC 2001
DOI: 10.1002/1529-0131(200112)44:12<2746::AID-ART461>3.0.CO;2-Z
Copyright © 2001 by the American College of Rheumatology
1529-0131/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=104d5c2bb8ef72deba26790b855af7ab80697a0e "Arthritis & Rheumatism")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Wong, J. B., Ramey, D. R. and Singh, G. (2001), Long-term morbidity, mortality, and economics of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 44: 2746–2749. doi: 10.1002/1529-0131(200112)44:12<2746::AID-ART461>3.0.CO;2-Z
Publication History
- Issue published online: 10 DEC 2001
- Article first published online: 10 DEC 2001
- Manuscript Accepted: 6 JUL 2001
- Manuscript Received: 16 FEB 2001
Funded by
- Schering-Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ
- NIH. Grant Number: AR-43584
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
Objective
To estimate the morbidity, mortality, and lifetime costs of care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods
We developed a Markov model based on the Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Aging Medical Information System Post-Marketing Surveillance Program cohort, involving 4,258 consecutively enrolled RA patients who were followed up for 17,085 patient-years. Markov states of health were based on drug treatment and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores. Costs were based on resource utilization, and utilities were based on visual analog scale–based general health scores.
Results
The cohort had a mean age of 57 years, 76.4% were women, and the mean duration of disease was 11.8 years. Compared with a life expectancy of 22.0 years for the general population, this cohort had a life expectancy of 18.6 years and 11.3 quality-adjusted life years. Lifetime direct medical care costs were estimated to be $93,296. Higher costs were associated with higher disability scores.
Conclusion
A Markov model can be used to estimate lifelong morbidity, mortality, and costs associated with RA, providing a context in which to consider the potential value of new therapies for the disease.