Costos directos del tratamiento de pacientes con artritis reumatoide en Medellín, Colombia

objective: to analyze clinical variables and direct costs of a sample of patients with rheumatoid arthritis from a specialized pharmacotherapeutic management center in medellin, colombia. methods: we reviewed 408 clinical files of the period 2007-2009 collecting clinical information and direct costs to a local private health insurer. results: 337 women (82.6%), average age 49.8 (range 4-91). average monthly cost increased from col$1.31 million (around us$650) in 2007, to col$1.71 million (~us$850) in 2008, and col$1.99 million (~us$1000) in 2009; 87.9% of this cost represented by pharmaceuticals. conclusions: costs of treatment are increasing, pharmaceuticals represent an important proportion of total cost.