The Social And Economic Impact On Crohn'S Patients Receiving Certolizumab (Save Trial)

Purpose: Most research in Crohn's Disease focuses on clinical response and remission. As scrutiny of health-care costs rises it becomes important to evaluate social and economic benefits of a given treatment. Certolizumab has been commercially available for 24 months at the time of this writing. In our registry of Crohn's patients we have begun to analyze outcome data for psychosocial issues. This paper presents preliminary results of an ongoing study. Methods: 30 patients receiving Certolizumab within the last 24 months were followed both prospectively and retrospectively. Data was recorded on hospitalizations, surgeries, insurance acceptance, absence from work or school and sense of well being. Quality of life (QOL) was determined using the simple 5 point scale which evaluates fatigue, energy, physical limitations, stress and social situations. The maximum score is 25 (worst) and 0 (best). Comparisons were made before and during therapy. The primary objectives were positive economic benefit of treatment and improved QOL. Results: 26 patients were available for follow-up. There were no admissions for disease exacerbation or any surgeries. No insurance denials were encountered. 2 patients missed work but these absences occurred during induction. The mean pretreatment QOL score was 16.10 while the score during the maintenance phase declined to a mean of 8.3. Mean follow-up time was 12 months. Conclusion: 1. The primary objective of a positive economic impact was made with no hospitalizations, surgeries and limited absenteeism. 2. The other primary objective of improved QOL was also seen with a drop in the QOL score from 16.10 to 8.3 during the course of treatments. 3. Both objectives were observed over a mean follow-up time of 12 months. Disclosure: Dr Randall - Consultant: UCB, Speakers Bureau.