Cost-of-Illness of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review.
Klarisse Man Ling Neo, Alicia Le How, Asher Yu Han Ang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review analyzed the economic burden of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) across 33 studies from 14 countries. It found that mean annual direct healthcare costs per patient varied significantly, from US$193 in Korea to US$31,113 in the United States for IBS-C. Indirect costs often surpassed direct costs, highlighting the need for comprehensive management strategies.
Key findings
- Mean annual direct healthcare costs for IBS patients ranged from US$193 in Korea to US$31,113 in the United States.
- In some cases, non-healthcare costs exceeded direct healthcare costs, such as US$17,112 vs. US$1,943 in Sweden for IBS-C.
- Indirect costs, including absenteeism and lost productivity, frequently dominated total costs in societal perspectives.
- IBS-C was associated with the highest subtype-specific costs, with notable racial and gender disparities in spending.
Why it matters
Understanding the economic burden of IBS is crucial for healthcare providers, as it emphasizes the importance of addressing both direct and indirect costs in patient management. This knowledge can inform resource allocation and policy decisions aimed at improving patient outcomes.