ESTIMATE OF LONG TERM HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR ADULTS WITH PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME 

 Scheimann, Ann O.^* and Whitman, Barbra Y.⁺

 Affiliations:

^* Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
⁺ Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Introduction: Individuals with Prader-willi syndrome (PWS) require long term health care for health maintenance and treatment of co-morbidities arising from hyperphagia and hypogonadism.  Little information has been previously published regarding long term health care costs and quality of life for adults with PWS.

Materials and methods: Retrospective review of published data regarding cost of living expenses, obesity related co-morbidities and co-morbidities arising from hypogonadism was accrued via literature review.

Results:  Estimated annual costs (dollars):

Hypercholesterolemia	155	Hip fracture	7000-21000
Type II Diabetes	2025-2374	Sleep Apnea	3050-5720
Stroke	3171	Dental Care	1000
Hypertension	542	Behavioral management	6960
Leg Ulser	1000	Living costs	75321-117277

Annual cost for normal BMI PWS – $ 82,321-124,277

Annual cost for morbidly obese PWS  - $101,377 - 134,395 (no fracture or hospitalization.)

Conclusion:   The cost of care for individuals with PWS significantly increased by co-morbidities arising from obesity and hypogonadism.   

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