Gender ratio analysis for Ankylosing Spondylitis: addendum to the February 2016 analysis
Page last updated: 28 October 2016
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
June 2016
Abstract
Purpose
To assess the ratio of male to female patients initiating on and prevalent to biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) since the listing of these drugs on the PBS for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for AS
- Infliximab: 1 August 2004
- Etanercept: 1 April 2005
- Adalimumab: 1 March 2007
- Golimumab: 1 August 2010
- Certolizumab pegol: 1 September 2014
Data Source / methodology
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Authority Approvals database was used for the analyses in this addendum.
Key Findings
- The male:female ratio for patients treated with PBS subsidised bDMARDs for AS is declining over time. In 2005, the ratio was approximately 3.5:1 for initiating and prevalent patients. The ratios for initiating and prevalent patients decreased to 1.2:1 and 2:1 respectively by 2015.
- The declining gender ratio may in part be accounted for by increased or earlier diagnosis, and increased rates of treatment with bDMARDs for women with AS. Another factor may be use outside of the PBS restriction in arthropathies such as non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis that are more common in women. This concern is most apparent in Western Australia where the number of females commencing on bDMARDs is far higher than in other states and female cases outweigh males.
