Estimating Indirect Costs in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome

Abstract

Objective.: To estimate the indirect costs associated with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) compared with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and community controls.Methods.: Data were obtained from 84 women patients with pSS as part of a study to develop a systemic activity measure, from 87 consecutive women patients with RA attending a hospital clinic, and from 96 women community controls on a general practice list. A modified economic component of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire was used to assess lost productivity.Results.: Using a conservative model, the estimated total annual indirect costs (95% CI) were £7677 (£5560, £9794) for pSS, £10,444 (£8206, £12,681) for RA, and £892 (£307, £1478) for controls. Using a model that maximizes the estimates, the equivalent figures were £13,502 (£9542, £17,463), £17,070 (£13,112, £21,028), and £3382 (£2187, £4578), respectively. These were all significantly greater at p < 0.001 for patient groups than for the control group.Conclusion.: pSS is associated with significantly increased indirect costs equivalent to 69%–83% of that for patients with RA. This needs to be taken into account when evaluating the overall economic consequences of pSS.