Costs of treatment of adult patients with cystic fibrosis in Poland and internationally.

OBJECTIVES: Despite its low prevalence, cystic fibrosis (CF) may have a considerable impact on healthcare system expenditures in terms of direct healthcare costs and lost productivity. This study was aimed at calculation of costs associated with CF treatment in Poland, as well as at comparison of average costs of treatment of CF patients in selected countries, taking into account the purchasing power parity.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.

METHODS: The researchers undertook a retrospective study of adult patients with CF taking into account the broadest social perspective possible. Medical and non-medical direct costs as well as indirect costs were calculated. CF costs estimated by researchers from other countries over the last 15 years were also compared.

RESULTS: Total annual treatment cost per one CF patient in Poland was on average EUR 19,581.08. Costs of treatment of CF patients over the last 15 years varied between the countries and ranged from EUR 23,330.82 in Bulgaria to EUR 68,696.42 in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS: CF is an international problem. The data in this study could be the baseline for integrated and harmonised approaches for periodical assessment of the future impact of new public policies and interventions for rare diseases at the national and international levels.