An examination of productivity and resource utilization associated with epoetin alfa treatment in employees with predialysis chronic kidney disease.

Abstract

This study assessed the employer cost burden of predialysis CKD-related anemia for a major US manufacturer, by examining indirect and direct costs before and after initiation of epoetin alfa (EPO). Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, direct costs, and indirect costs for employees with CKD-related anemia were collected for 15 months (9 months pre-EPO and 6 months concurrent/post-EPO treatment). Indirect costs (absenteeism and presenteeism) and direct costs (medical and pharmacy) were compared for the pre- and post-EPO treatment periods. Treating CKD-related anemia with EPO increased Hb levels from 9.4 (1 to 3 months pre-EPO)to 12.2 g/dL (4 to 6 months post-EPO), decreased absenteeism by 52.3 days per patient per year (PPPY), increased productivity by 91.5% PPPY, and reduced health care costs by approximately $4417 PPPY. Among employees with predialysis CKD-related anemia, EPO treatment was associated with increased Hb levels, improved productivity, and decreased direct employer costs.