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Abstract #19098 Published in IGR 3-1
An observational, retrospective, two-year cost study in primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in newly diagnosed patients
Rouland J-F; Peigne G; Sellem E; Renard J-P; Williamson W; Filippi J-M; Cohn H; Hamard P; Abellan P; Chagnon AJournal Français d'Ophtalmologie 2001; 24: 233-243
PURPOSE: To investigate the different treatment strategies in France and the direct costs for patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who have started treatment with beta-blockers, and to estimate the total direct cost for two years of treat. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors analyzed 225 medical charts retrospectively in 11 academically and office-based centers in France during the first two years after diagnosis. Standard costs for each resource in current medical practice were determined from the French Social Security perspective. RESULTS: The vast majority of patients (90%) had a diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in both eyes. In 60% of patients, a moderate or severe defect was found in their visual field or optic nerve. Intraocular pressure before treatment was 23.9 ± 4.7 mmHg and 17.5 ± 4.2 mmHg after two years of treatment. Over the first two years, 25% of visits led to a change in therapy (medical or surgical), involving 64% of patients. Two-thirds of the changes occurred during the first year of treatment, and in around 80% of cases, for low intraocular pressure at check-up. Laser surgery or surgical intervention was performed in 25% of patients. Total direct costs for two years were FF 5698. The intraocular pressure before treatment was positively correlated (p < 0.01) with treatment costs, while the initial intraocular pressure-lowering effects of treatment were negatively correlated with two-year costs. CONCLUSIONS: After two years of treatment, the mean intraocular pressure decreased from 24-17.5 mmHg. The higher the basal intraocular pressures, the more intensive the treatment and the higher the costs. The more efficient the treatment to decrease baseline intraocular pressure, the earlier the costs will be reduced. LA: French
Dr J.-F. Rouland, Service d'Ophtalmologie, CHRU, 12 Avenue Oscar Lambret, 59037 Lille Cedex, France
Classification:
11.1 General management, indication (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
