The Economic Burden of Alopecia Areata in Romania

Background: Alopecia areata is a skin disease that affects patients’ quality of life and social participation and it exerts an economic burden of patients and implicitly their family. To date, this is the first study to quantify the economic burden of alopecia areata for both pediatric and adult patients. Objective This cost of illness study seeks to quantify the economic burden of alopecia areata for patients aged <20 years and 20+ years for both mild and severe forms of alopecia areata using retrospective and prospective data sources, both incidence and prevalence-based approaches. This cost of illness study is mixed as it employs both top-down and bottom-up approaches. Results The results of this cost of illness study show that for adults, for both prevalence and incidence-based approach, the highest costs are the direct costs attributable to medical services and associated costs, and the indirect costs due to work absenteeism. Regarding the pediatric population segment, the highest costs were due to treatment, associated expenses and productivity costs inquired by caregivers. Conclusion This is the first study to quantify the burden of alopecia areata in Romania, for both pediatric and adult patients. Our study highlights that out-of-pocket costs pose an immense burden on patients and their caregivers. Our estimations emphasize that patients with AA should be considered when planning health services delivery and health services and medicine reimbursement.