Type I Diabetes is the Main Cost Driver in Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy

Abstract Context Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy (AP), a chronic complex orphan disease, encompasses at least two autoimmune-induced endocrine diseases. Objective To estimate for the first time total, indirect and direct costs for patients with AP, as well as cost drivers. Design Cross-sectional cost of illness study. Setting Academic tertiary referral center for AP. Patients 146 consecutive, unselected AP patients. Intervention Interviews pertaining to patients’ socioeconomic situation covered a recall period of 12 months. Both the human capital (HCA) and the friction cost approaches (FCAs) were applied as estimation methods. Main outcome measures Direct and indirect annual costs, and sick l…