Healthcare resource utilization and costs in amyloid light-chain amyloidosis: a real-world study using US claims data

Aim: To estimate healthcare utilization and costs in amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Patients & methods: AL amyloidosis patients were identified in 2007–2015 claims databases if they had ≥1 inpatient/≥2 outpatient claims consistent with AL amyloidosis and received ≥1 AL-specific treatment. Descriptive statistics were reported. Results: 50.1% (n = 3670) were admitted ≥1 time during the year, 11.3% (n = 827) ≥3 times. From 2007 to 2015, bortezomib use increased from 4.6 to 25.3%; melphalan use decreased from 18.9 to 2.0%; costs increased from 92,866 to $114,030. Among incident patients with at least 2 years of follow-up, healthcare utilization and costs decreased from first to second year post-diagnosis. Conclusion: AL chemotherapy-based prescribing practices changed. Total annual healthcare costs increased over time among AL amyloidosis patients.