Botulinum Toxin Utilization, Treatment Patterns, and Healthcare Costs Among Patients with Spasticity or Cervical Dystonia in the US

Abstract

Introduction Spasticity and cervical dystonia (CD) are movement disorders with considerable direct and indirect healthcare cost implications. Although several studies have discussed their clinical impact, few have calculated the economic burden of these disorders. This study aimed to understand treatment/injection patterns of botulinum toxins type A (BoNT-As) and the characteristics, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs among patients with spasticity or CD. Methods Retrospective analyses were conducted using administrative healthcare claims from the IQVIA PharMetrics ® Plus database, from October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. Eligible patients were selected based on Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes for BoNT-A (index date) and ICD-10 diagnosis codes for spasticity or CD with 6 months of continuous enrollment pre-index and 12 months post-index. Patients were stratified into adult spasticity, pediatric spasticity, and CD cohorts, and were evaluated for injection patterns, HCRU, and costs in the post-index period. Results Overall, 2452 adults with spasticity, 1364 pediatric patients with spasticity, and 1529 adults with CD were included. Total mean all-cause healthcare costs were US$42,562 (adult spasticity), $54,167 (pediatric spasticity), and $25,318 (CD). Differences were observed in the cost of BoNT-A injection visits between toxins, with abobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) having the lowest injection cost across all indications. Conclusions AboBoNT-A had the lowest injection visit costs across indications. These results are suggestive of real-world resource utilization patterns and costs, and, while helpful in informing insurers’ BoNT-A management strategies, further research into cost differences is warranted.

Research progress in spasmodic torticollis rehabilitation treatment

“…Recurrent botulinum toxin injections are currently the most pervasive first-line therapeutic approach for ST, but long-term usage can foster lowered patient tolerance, thus causing the alleviating effects on muscle spasms to gradually diminish and potentially result in side effects. Surgical treatments are opted for when the efficacy of botulinum toxin and oral medications fall short, but these treatments may lead to associated complications[ 1 - 8 ]. Consequently, rehabilitation therapy, with its minor side effects and low risk, exhibits substantial clinical value.…”