A retrospective observational single-centre study on the burden of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Background: German data on economic consequences of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are limited.

Patients and methods: A retrospective, observational study based on chart review of adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ITP was conducted at a German university hospital. Costs are presented from the hospital perspective.

Results: Of 50 eligible patients, 45 could be classified by disease duration: 19 patients < 3 months (38%, newly diagnosed ITP), 12 patients ≥ 3 to < 12 months (24%, persistent ITP), 19 patients ≥ 12 months (38%, chronic ITP). Complications included 85 bleeding events in 43 patients, including 3 intracranial haemorrhages. Documented were 955 outpatient visits in 43 patients (86%) and 92 inpatient hospital admissions in 45 patients (90%). Of the 46 patients (92%) treated, all received corticosteroids, 25 (50%) intravenous immunoglobulin, and 7 (14%) further therapies. 12 patients (24%) underwent splenectomy. Average total direct medical costs (mean (standard deviation)) were 17,091 (18,859) per patient, 12,749 (11,663) in 17 newly diagnosed ITP patients with a 0.88-month (0.65 months) average disease duration, and 29,868 (29,397) in 13 chronic ITP patients with a 33.5-month (16.8 months) average disease duration. Inpatient stays were the main cost drivers.

Conclusion: These data concerning current healthcare provision for ITP patients in Germany indicate considerable resource consumption and the need for more effective treatment options in individual patients.