FRI0184 A Snapshot of Contemporary Urate-Lowering Therapy (ULT) Care and Serum Uric Acid (SUA) Monitoring in A US Commercially-Insured Gout Population

Background Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in most western countries and is caused by hyperuricemia. The reduction of gout symptoms, as well as the reduction and maintenance of sUA levels ≤6 mg/dL, is a commonly recommended treatment goal for gout patients. Objectives To provide a snapshot of contemporary ULT care, sUA monitoring, and associated costs in the US commercially-insured gout population. Methods Gout patients treated with ULT were identified between 1 Feb 2011 and 31 Jan 2012 from the HealthCore Integrated Research Environment. The index event was considered to be the earliest of the following events: a prescription for ULT, a diagnosis of gout (ICD-9 274.xx), or a claim for colchicine with ULT therapy in the year prior. Patients with 3 flares ($15,276) had higher average costs. Furtherm