OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the economic burden and healthcare resource utilization among patients with PsA.

METHODS: We systematically searched Embase, MEDLINE®, EconLit, and NHSEED databases from inception to March 14, 2022 for English-language observational studies reporting on economic burden among adult PsA patients.

RESULTS: From 2,872 records screened, 84 primary studies were included, spanning across the United States (US) (number of studies; N=47), Europe (N=28), Asia (N=5), North America and Europe (N=3), and South America (N=1). Direct costs exhibited substantial variation, with annual mean total direct costs ranging from $10,683 to $65,867 per patient per year (pppy) in the US and from €1,966 to €16,255 pppy in European studies. Inpatient costs and treatment expenses greatly contributed to the direct costs, emphasizing the complex financial implications of PsA. Mean indirect costs across European studies ranged from €11.6 per patient per month (pppm) at 5-year follow-up (sample size; n=55) to €133.4 pppm (n=107). The indirect costs associated with disability due to PsA were greater as compared to indirect costs associated with sick leaves. PsA patients required hospitalizations from a mean of 0.6 days per patient (pp) (US) (n=35,061) to 11.1 days pp (Korea). Mean number of outpatient visits ranged from 7.0 pp (Korea) to 45.3 pp (n = 4,430) (US). The annual emergency department visits among PsA patients ranged from 0.3 pp (n=100) (Spain) to 1.8 pp (n=10,832) (US) both at 1-year follow up.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, direct costs were the major cost drivers while indirect costs remained a contributor to the economic burden. A lack of published research was noted on economic burden on caregivers and cost associated with home care management. The cumulative impact of inpatient costs, outpatient expenses, and medication costs underscores remaining necessity for focused interventions.