Low Use of Standard-of-Care Antiparasitic Drugs and Increased Estimated Outpatient Payments for Treating Schistosomiasis in the United States, 2013-19

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2022 Aug 22;107(4):841-844. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0254. Print 2022 Oct 12.

Abstract

Drug utilization and payment estimates for standard-of-care treatment of schistosomiasis have not been reported previously in the United States. This study estimates the utilization of praziquantel (standard-of-care drug) among patients with schistosomiasis and outpatient payments among those who were treated with praziquantel, and investigates the factors associated with praziquantel use from 2013-19 using IBM's MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Claims data showed that only 21% of patients with schistosomiasis diagnoses were treated with praziquantel. The mean total drug payments per patient treated with praziquantel increased from $110 in 2013-14 to $612 in 2015-18 (P < 0.01), and use decreased. These factors, including residing in a rural area, having a documented Schistosoma haematobium infection, or having a first schistosomiasis diagnosis in 2015-16, were associated with a decreased likelihood of patients receiving standard-of-care treatment. Policy solutions to exorbitant drug pricing, and better awareness and education among healthcare providers about schistosomiasis-especially those practicing in rural areas with high immigrant populations-are needed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics* / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Antiparasitic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Outpatients
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use
  • Schistosoma haematobium
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia* / drug therapy
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Praziquantel