Real-World Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Italy: Treatment Patterns, Adherence, and Costs in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Treated with Mesalazine - Report - MDSpire
Clinical Report: Real-World IBD in Italy: Mesalazine, Adherence, and Costs
Overview
This retrospective Italian administrative-data study reports contemporary national estimates of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) epidemiology and describes treatment, adherence, and direct healthcare costs among patients with UC newly initiating mesalazine. The supplied context reports suboptimal mesalazine adherence during follow-up and substantial healthcare expenditures, largely attributable to hospitalizations; mean annual direct cost in 2023 was €4,516 per patient.
Background
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic, relapsing condition comprising UC and CD, with incidence increasing globally. Italian epidemiological estimates have varied across studies and regions, motivating updated national estimates. Treatment aims to induce and maintain clinical and endoscopic remission; mesalazine remains widely used in mild-to-moderate UC. IBD also affects patients’ quality of life and generates healthcare costs, making routine-practice evidence on treatment patterns and resource use relevant.
Data Highlights
Measure
Reported information
Study data
Retrospective administrative records from six Italian Local Health Units covering about 4 million residents across northern, central, and southern Italy
Previously reported Italian incidence
UC: approximately 7–16 cases per 100,000 person-years; CD: approximately 3–9 cases per 100,000 person-years
Previously reported Italian prevalence
Approximately 300 to more than 320 cases per 100,000 persons
Mesalazine adherence
Suboptimal during follow-up among patients with UC who initiated mesalazine
Annual direct cost
Mean €4,516 per patient in 2023, as reported in the supplied web research context
Cost attribution
Healthcare expenditures remained substantial and were largely attributable to hospitalizations
Key Findings
The investigation used linked administrative healthcare records from six Italian Local Health Units, collectively covering about 4 million residents and multiple regions of Italy.
The study was designed to provide contemporary national estimates of UC and CD prevalence and incidence; the supplied material does not provide the study’s specific resulting estimates.
The UC treatment analysis focused on patients newly initiating mesalazine with no previous mesalazine exposure; these patients were not necessarily treatment-naive overall.
Mesalazine adherence was described as suboptimal during follow-up.
Healthcare expenditures were substantial and largely attributable to hospitalizations.
The supplied web research context reports a mean 2023 annual direct healthcare cost of €4,516 per patient.
Clinical Implications
The reported suboptimal adherence and hospitalization-related expenditures identify treatment persistence and inpatient resource use as relevant features of the observed real-world burden. The study describes routine-care patterns and costs; the supplied material does not establish that a particular intervention improves adherence or reduces expenditure.
Conclusion
This Italian real-world investigation characterizes IBD epidemiology and the treatment and economic burden associated with UC patients initiating mesalazine. The supplied findings report suboptimal adherence and substantial, predominantly hospitalization-related healthcare costs.
