Comparing the Burden of Illness in Patients with Alopecia Areata vs Atopic Dermatitis in the US Population from a Payer Perspective

March 2023 in “ Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy ”

D. Christian Fenske, Yuxin Ding, Paula Morrow, Sarah G Smith, Monica K. Silver, Meghan Moynihan, Janna Manjelievskaia

alopecia areata atopic dermatitis US administrative claims data comorbidity burden outpatient costs long-term disability claims

TLDR Alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis have similar healthcare costs, but alopecia areata leads to more outpatient and long-term disability expenses.

This study compared the burden of illness and costs between patients with alopecia areata (AA) and atopic dermatitis (AD) using US administrative claims data. The analysis included 25,446 adult patients with AA matched to those with AD. Patients with AA had a lower comorbidity burden and used fewer medications than those with AD, yet total health care costs were similar between the two groups. Outpatient costs were higher for AA patients, and they were more likely to incur long-term disability claims and associated costs. Despite being perceived as a cosmetic issue, AA incurs similar medical expenditures as AD. The study was funded by Eli Lilly and Company.

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Alopecia Areata Treatment Patterns, Healthcare Resource Utilization, and Comorbidities in the US Population Using Insurance Claims

research Alopecia Areata Treatment Patterns, Healthcare Resource Utilization, and Comorbidities in the US Population Using Insurance Claims

23 citations , July 2021 in “Advances in Therapy”

Most people with Alopecia Areata don't get treatment within a year; it's costly and often comes with other health issues.

research A Comprehensive Literature Review of JAK Inhibitors in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

40 citations , June 2021 in “Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology”

JAK inhibitors show promise in effectively treating hair loss from alopecia areata.

research Development of the Alopecia Areata Patient Priority Outcomes Instrument: A Qualitative Study

11 citations , March 2021 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Researchers created a new tool to measure the effects of alopecia areata from the patient's view, focusing on hair loss, daily life, and emotional health.

research A Large Cross-Sectional Survey Study of the Prevalence of Alopecia Areata in the United States

63 citations , March 2020 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Alopecia areata affects many in the US, impacting quality of life, with limited treatment options.

research Minoxidil for Patchy Alopecia Areata: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

20 citations , March 2019 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Minoxidil effectively and safely treats patchy hair loss, but more research needed.

research Comorbidities in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

100 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata often have other health issues like skin diseases, metabolic syndrome, stomach infections, lupus, anemia, thyroid problems, mental health issues, vitamin D deficiency, and hearing and eye problems.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Insights from January 2018

290 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, influenced by genetics, stress, and diet, and may be prevented by a high soy oil diet.

research Alopecia Areata: Treatment Options and Efficacy

182 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Some treatments can help with a hair loss condition called alopecia areata, but none ensure lasting results; choices depend on the person, with JAK inhibitors showing promise for severe cases.

Alopecia Areata: Current Situation and Perspectives

research Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata

182 citations , October 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The 2003 guidelines suggest that while some treatments can regrow hair in alopecia areata, none alter the disease's progression, and wigs may be the best option for extensive hair loss.