Cost-IPFfectiveness of antifibrotic treatment: real-life data from a Greek University Hospital

IntroductionIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive form of interstitial lung disease (ILD), characterized by fibrosis and worsening lung function. Unfortunately, no therapy for fibrotic damage is available, although antifibrotic drugs, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been shown to slow down the respiratory deterioration and offer better quality of life. Aim: In the present study, we calculated the cost of the antifibrotic treatment [period 2014-2018] for the areas of Thessaly and Greece and we presented our real-world experience in terms of antifibrotic effect on mortality and pulmonary function tests’ (PFTs9) stability for our cohort (University Hospital Larissa-UHL cohort~period 2014-2019). MethodsCost data has been collected from the National Institute of Health Services. Mortality and PFTs stability data has been collected as a retrospective observational study of 70 IPF patients (ULH cohort). Results: As for Thessaly & Central Greece regions, cost has been calculated at 4.508.119 euros and for Greece at 57.308.895 euros cumulatively for a 4 year period. In 2014 the national cost was 0.005% of gross domestic product while in 2018 cost rose up at 0.01% of gross domestic product. In a 5 year period we describe 5,7% mortality and in a 2 year period 75% of our patients had stable PFTs. ConclusionsFor the first time, the cost of antifibrotic treatment has been calculated in regional and national scale. At the same time, it is shown that despite the cost, treatment provides a survival benefit and PFTs stability in a real-life IPF cohort compared to previously used medications.