Trends and Costs of Drug-Based Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Strokes
Author Information
Author(s): Kohlhase Konstantin, Bohmann Ferdinand O., Grefkes Christian, Strzelczyk Adam, Willems Laurent M.
Primary Institution: Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital
Hypothesis
This study aimed to evaluate annual treatment costs and trends in drug-based secondary prophylaxis after ischemic strokes.
Conclusion
DOACs for cardioembolic strokes were the primary cost driver in drug-based secondary stroke prevention.
Supporting Evidence
- The total estimated annual drug expenditure was € 241,808.
- 51.6% of the total costs were due to DOACs.
- Cardioembolic strokes had the highest annual costs per patient (€1328.6).
- DAPT costs were highest for large-vessel strokes.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much it costs to prevent strokes with medicine and found that some medicines are much more expensive than others.
Methodology
Annual treatment costs were evaluated using the net costs per defined daily dosage (DDD) of discharge medications for ischemic stroke patients treated in 2020.
Potential Biases
Patients with cardioembolic strokes due to atrial fibrillation or large vessel disease might be over-represented.
Limitations
The study analyzed only one stroke cohort from a tertiary referral hospital, which carries a risk of drug selection bias.
Participant Demographics
The mean age was 70.5 years, with 43.1% female patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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