Use of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factors for Diabetic Retnopathy: National Health Insurance Claims Data
10.3341/jkos.2019.60.7.661
- Author:
Songhee CHO
1
;
Sang Jin SHIN
;
Jae Kyung SUH
;
Hajin TCHOE
;
Jangmi YANG
;
Min Joo KANG
;
Donghyun JEE
Author Information
1. Office of Economic Evaluation Research, National Evidence Based Health Care Collaborating Agency, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Aflibercept;
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor;
Diabetic retinopathy;
Ranibizumab
- MeSH:
Diabetic Retinopathy;
Endothelial Growth Factors;
Health Expenditures;
Humans;
Intravitreal Injections;
National Health Programs;
Public Health;
Ranibizumab
- From:Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
2019;60(7):661-666
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To evaluate the current use of intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in patients with diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: We determined the current number of diabetic retinopathy patients and their medical expenditure using National Health Insurance Service claims data (2007-2016). We also analyzed the medical costs of patients with diabetic retinopathy who received anti-VEGF treatment, including ranibizumab and aflibercept. We then evaluated aspects of the use of anti-VEGF injections, such as frequency and intervals, in newly diagnosed diabetic retinopathy patients who received anti-VEGF treatment, along with their medical costs. RESULTS: The number of patients with diabetic retinopathy was 397,956 in 2009 and 721,310 in 2016, a 1.8-fold increase over 8 years. Of these, the number of patients undergoing anti-VEGF therapy was 4,283 in 2015 and 4,270 in 2016. Of the diabetic retinopathy patients in 2016, the total medical cost of those treated with anti-VEGF was 1.5 billion won, and the average medical cost per person was 3,531,064 won. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the National Health Insurance claims data, the use of ranibizumab and aflibercept is increasing. The results of this study suggest that diabetic retinopathy will become an important public health issue.
