S113: COST OF ILLNESS, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND HEALTHCARE RESOURCE UTILIZATION FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN GULF COUNTRIES (CESCGU)

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most predominant form of haemoglobinopathy worldwide. In the Middle East, SCD is prevalent, with high impact on health care systems. Currently, there are insufficient information published on the economic burden of SCD in the Gulf Countries (GC).

Aim: Estimate the economic burden incurred by payors in Oman (OMN), Bahrain (BHR) and United-Arab-Emirates (UAE).

Methodology: A prevalence-based probabilistic model was used to estimate the direct medical costs (DMC) associated with SCD within different treatment sites across 3 countries in the gulf region. Data from three treatment sites across GC has been collected through meetings with one principle investigator from each site. Aggregate patients’ data input was gathered from hospital record databases of adult SCD patients managed in year 2019. Additionally, 50 Case Report Forms (CRFs) were filled from UAE site.

Results: Aggregate data for 2,600 SCD patients in BHR, 2,000 in OMN and 350 in UAE were collected. The total DMC per patient per year was estimated at $15,300, $10,000 and $15,800 in BHR, OMN and UAE, respectively. The costs incurred by payors for “VOCs management” were identified as major cost driver.

Conclusion: As far as our knowledge, this is the first COI study in SCD done in the GC. The economic burden of individuals affected by SCD in Gulf countries is rising. Severe SCD patients with ≥5 VOCs represent a significant burden on payors.