Trends in healthcare utilization by patients with gout: A cross-sectional study using Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the distribution of gout patients and the utilization of healthcare services in South Korea to provide valuable recommendations to clinicians and policymakers. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service spanning 2010 to 2019 were utilized, and a sample of 69,680 patients was included in the study. The incidence of gout was observed to be high in male patients over the age of 40, with most patients receiving outpatient care for gout management. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and urate-lowering agents were the most frequently prescribed medications, with prescriptions for colchicine and febuxostat increasing among urate-lowering agents. Musculoskeletal disorders were found to be the most common comorbidities among gout patients. Although the total costs of gout management increased, there was no significant increase in cost per patient. This study provides insights into the current state of healthcare utilization for gout patients in South Korea and trends in the disease burden and use of medications. The findings have crucial implications for clinicians and policymakers involved in decision-making regarding the management and treatment of gout.