189 - PHARMACOECONOMICS APPLICATIONS IN OPTIMIZING KAWASAKI DISEASE MANAGEMENT ACROSS ARAB NATIONS: A MULTINATIONAL, MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL ENDEAVOR BY THE KAWASAKI DISEASE ARAB INITIATIVE (KAWARABI)

Background: In 2021, nationwide KD epidemiology scarcity from low- and middle-income Arab countries led to the creation of the Kawasaki disease Arab Initiative (Kawarabi), a 14-country-strong collaboration. Kawarabi’s mission focuses on education, advocacy, and enhancement of patients’ outcomes. A first survey unveiled significant practice variation, including unavailability of IVIG, in KD management among participating countries, resulting from differences in resources availability. Studying the economic burden and disease-related costs of KD in these countries was deemed essential to assess the economic burden and disease-related costs affecting KD management, contextualized within the economic status and healthcare infrastructure of each respective country. The project employs a thorough pharmacoeconomic analysis, emphasizing societal implications, patient expenses, hospital costs, and impacts on both the public healthcare system and private insurers.

Methods: The cost analysis considers the impact of delay in acute management and potential cardiac complications, addressing hypothetical scenarios to quantify costs associated with different outcomes (Figure-1). Four onset scenarios, including optimal setting (early diagnosis / timely treatment), will be compared to suboptimal scenarios (unavailable treatment, delayed diagnosis, late treatment) and inherent branching outcomes. A multi level investigational survey is planned under the guidance of the Kawarabi coordinating institution.  The survey focuses on obtaining precise and factual estimates related to essential information and sensitive data. Each member institution utilizes internal resources and national networks to secure the most accurate and reliable estimates.

Results: Analysis is planned to summarize 1) Economic impact assessment: analyze direct and indirect costs associated with KD (medical expenses, hospitalization, follow-up care, and the long-term financial implications for affected families); 2) healthcare infrastructure evaluation: examine existing healthcare infrastructure in low- and middle-income in comparison to high-income countries and evaluate infrastructure’s capacity to effectively diagnose, treat, and manage KD (acute and chronic phase); 3) policy intervention recommendations: Identify potential policy interventions and healthcare strategies that can alleviate the economic burden of KD, improve disease outcomes, and enhance the overall well-being of affected individuals and families.

Conclusion: The impact of the project will offer actionable recommendations for KD management, particularly in low- to moderate-income countries. Unique perspectives of pharmacoeconomics challenges will be highlighted with crucial informative data provided for healthcare decision-making. The commitment to overcoming obstacles and addressing health disparities through the transformative lens of pharmacoeconomics reflects a dedication to making a positive impact on KD related public health.