Cost-utility of a six-month programmed sports therapy (PST) in patients with haemophilia

IntroductionRecurrent musculoskeletal haemorrhages in people with haemophilia (PwH) lead to restrictions in the locomotor system and, as a result, in physical performance, too. Due to its physical and psychological benefits, sport is increasingly re-commended for haemophilic patients. Evidence on the cost-effectiveness of sports therapy is still lacking. AimThe aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of a 6-month programmed sports therapy (PST). MethodsThe cost-effectiveness of the 6-month PST was assessed from a societal perspective alongside a RCT using cost-utility analysis. The analysis included 50 PwH with moderate-to-severe haemophilia A and B and a training period over 6months. The health-related quality of life was measured with the EuroQoL-domain questionnaire. Resource utilization was assessed by questionnaire before and after the intervention. A cost-effectiveness acceptability curve was constructed, and sensitivity analyses were performed. ResultsDuring the 6-month study period, mean adjusted total healthcare costs were lower (mean difference: -22805 EUR; 95%-CI: -73944-48463; P=.59) and the number of QALYs was higher in the intervention group (mean difference: 0.3733; 95%-CI: 0.0014-0.0573; P=.04). The probability of an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio <50000 EUR per QALY was 71%. The performed sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. ConclusionResults showed that the PST is effective in terms of a significant gain of QALYs. Furthermore, results weakly indicate the potential of the PST to reduce healthcare costs. Future studies should expand the observation period to have a closer look at the influence of PST on lifetime costs.