A cost-of-illness study estimating the direct cost per asthma exacerbation in Turkey

SummaryObjectiveTo calculate direct cost per asthma exacerbation at tertiary healthcare centers across Turkey.MethodsA total of 294 persistent asthma patients (mean age: 50.4 ± 15.1 years) were included in this retrospective study upon admission with an acute asthma attack. Direct costs including drug treatment, non-drug treatment, healthcare resource utilization, emergency care, tests and consultations were calculated per asthma attack in relation to asthma attack severity.ResultsThe asthma attack was moderate in 57.5% of the patients. Direct cost was €214.9 (95% CI: 183.9; 245.8) per attack. The cost of severe attack €308.2 (95% CI: 258.2; 358.2)] was significantly higher than moderate [€172.6 (95% CI: 155.1; 190.2)] and mild [€128.6 (95% CI: 102.6; 154.7) attacks. It was also significantly higher for inpatient follow-up [€257.7 (95% CI: 220.4; 295)] vs. outpatient follow-up [€54.5 (95% CI: 47; 62; p < 0.001)] and uncontrolled asthma [€288.2 (95% CI: 216.7; 359.6)] vs. controlled [€128.9 (95% CI: 92.1; 165.8); p < 0.01] asthma.ConclusionHealth policies targeting achievement of better asthma control and lower disease severity during the stable periods of the disease as well as appropriate hospitalization of patients and rational prescribing of drugs will play crucial role in the reduction of economic burden of asthma for the patient and the society.