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PURPOSE: To assess resource utilization and costs associated with glaucoma management in France and Sweden. METHODS: A total of 267 patient records (121 in France, 146 in Sweden) with diagnoses of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OH), treated medically, were reviewed for a 2-year period (beginning during 1997-99) for relevant clinical and resource utilization data. Economic data were applied to estimate treatment costs. RESULTS: The annual cost of treating glaucoma was estimated at SEK5305 (EUR 531) per patient in Sweden and EUR 390 per patient in France. In both countries, medication costs comprised about half of the total costs. Surgical procedures and hospitalizations represented greater proportions of total cost in France (7.0% and 9.6%, respectively) than in Sweden (3.7% and 0.6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Medication costs represent a high proportion of total treatment costs. These findings highlight the relative importance of medical therapy and of assessing the cost-effectiveness of medications in glaucoma.
Dr. B. Lindblom, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Molndal, Sweden
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics