Projected Burden of CKD-Related Anemia in China

Anemia is a common comorbidity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that can increase the risk of complications and inflate health care costs. Treatment of CKD-related anemia in China has lagged, partly due to a lack of awareness of the condition and its management.

A study by Lise Retat and colleagues attempted to determine the potential health and economic burden of anemia of CKD in China from 2023 to 2027. They also estimated the impact of a hypothetical intervention on related clinical and cost outcomes. Their findings were published in Advances in Therapy.

The study used a validated CKD microsimulation model to simulate a Chinese population utilizing demographic, clinical, and economic statistics. Each virtual individual was given a CKD stage, anemia stage, comorbidity status (type 2 diabetes, hypertension), complication status (stroke, heart failure, and/or myocardial infarction), and odds of receiving treatments and therapies. Using these factors, the researchers assigned annual direct health care costs to each individual.

The researchers applied a hypothetical intervention designed to better screen for and treat anemia that aligned with the Healthy China 2030 policy. The results were compared with a baseline “no change” scenario reflecting current trends.

In the “no change” scenario, the number of patients with moderate to severe anemia was projected to increase from 3.0 million to 3.2 million. Associated costs were projected to increase from ¥22.0 billion (B) to ¥24.4B between 2023 and 2027, respectively. When the intervention was applied, the prevalence of moderate and severe anemia was reduced by 5% annually, saving ¥3.9B in health care costs in 2027 (¥24.4B vs ¥20.6B, respectively).

To conclude, the study found that CKD-related anemia prevalence and related health care costs are projected to rise. Interventions that screen for and treat anemia more effectively could help alleviate this anticipated burden.

“Achieving a 5% annual reduction in the prevalence of moderate and severe anemia in CKD could result in a reduction in the cost of the condition by 5.9% overall. To do this, interventions such as earlier screening, diagnosis, and effective treatment are needed,” the researchers concluded. “The economic implications of reducing the burden of this condition should be considered by policymakers, practitioners, and government payers in China to advocate for, and leverage, policy change in order to improve patient health.”

Source: Advances in Therapy