Characteristics of study patients
| Characteristics | Before 2009 E2 implementation (2007–2008) | After 2009 E2 implementation (2009–2012) |
|---|---|---|
| N | 574 (28%) | 1450 (72%) |
| Age (mean±SD) | 33.64±26.33 | 34.14±26.90 |
| 0–15 years | 205 (36%) | 498 (34%) |
| 16–30 years | 57 (10%) | 157 (11%) |
| 31–45 years | 59 (10%) | 165 (11%) |
| 46–60 years | 115 (20%) | 294 (20%) |
| >60 years | 138 (24%) | 336 (23%) |
| Gender | ||
| Female | 291 (51%) | 734 (51%) |
| Health insurance* | ||
| CSMBS | 112 (20%) | 335 (23%) |
| SSS | 120 (21%) | 51 (4%) |
| UC | 308 (54%) | 1001 (69%) |
| Others | 34 (6%) | 63 (4%) |
| Charlson Comorbidity Index | ||
| 0–1 | 371 (65%) | 921 (64%) |
| 2–3 | 157 (27%) | 387 (27%) |
| >3 | 44 (8%) | 142 (10%) |
| Patients eligible for | ||
| Botulinum A toxin | 57 (10%) | 167 (12%) |
| IVIG | 367 (64%) | 942 (65%) |
| Leuprorelin | 66 (11%) | 131 (9%) |
| Liposomal amphotericin B | 44 (8%) | 102 (7%) |
| Verteporfin | 40 (7%) | 108 (7%) |
Study patients: patients who had at least two admissions or visits during the study period, met the eligibility criteria for an E2 medicine, and who had not received an E2 medicine 1 year prior to their index visit.
*p<0.05.
CSMBS, Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme; SSS, Social Security Scheme.