Resource consumption in haemophilia care – the ESCHQoL study (European study of clinical, health economic and quality of life outcomes in haemophilia treatment)

Background: Determination of resource consumption is the basic information for health economic analyses. In this study resource consumption associated with haemophilia was measured and quantified. Methods and Patients: ESCHQoL was designed as a retrospective/prospective multicentre, multinational cohort study. Patients (pts) were consecutively enrolled. This analysis focused on data from patient diaries. Results: One thousand and seventy-three diaries were analyzed (752adults: 35.6 ± 14.2 years; 321 children: 10.6 ± 3.5). 549 adults, 213 children with severe haemophilia. 55% pts had in 6 months on average eight Comprehensive Care Center visits, 30% pts consulted 5-times their GP. In 6 months 17% pts were hospitalised (8.0 days on average). 19% pts had physiotherapy, on average 15-times in 6 months. 344 pts had 15 days, 27% care givers on average 14 days lost of productivity in 6 months. Mean factor consumption for adults varied from approx. 400 IU per kg/year up to 4000 IU per kg/year. Children: mean values ranged from 500 IU per kg/year up to 6600 IU per kg/year. Conclusion: ESCHQoL showed that high resource consumption is associated with haemophilia. Factor use varies between European countries. These results are the basis for future cost analyses and discussions on resource allocation