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Abstract #46879 Published in IGR 13-3
Costs of glaucoma in Sweden - A pilot study
Svensson J; Berdeaux G; Bergstrom A; Forsby M; Ghatnekar OValue in Health 2010; 13: 399
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost of treatment of glaucoma in Sweden and cost by treatment change. METHODS: Two private ophthalmologic clinics in southern Sweden were chosen for a retrospective chart review. Longitudinal data from patients older than 18 years was extracted from digitalized medical records. a glaucoma diagnosis (ICD-10: H40) and prescription of glaucoma treatment (ATC: S01E) were used as search terms to identify patients. Data on outpatient visits, glaucoma related pharmaceuticals and laser surgery was collected for the period 2004-01-01 to 2009- 06-30. Unit prices from official sources in year 2008. Health care provider costs incurred during year 2008 were stratified according to the number of treatment changes. RESULTS: A total of 815 patients with pharmacological treatment were included in the analysis. Mean age was 77.6, 63% were female, 39% had ocular hypertension (OHT), 55% primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 6% other glaucoma diagnosis. Mean direct medical cost per patient during 2008 was (euro)393. The cost per patient varied depending on diagnosis and number of treatment changes since 2004. Costs for patients diagnosed with OHT, POAG and other glaucoma was (euro)341, (euro)423 and (euro)477, respectively. Patients diagnosed with POAG ranged from (euro)350 (no change in treatment) to (euro)540 (3 or more changes). Patients with OHT ranged from (euro)301 (no changes in treatment) to (euro)613 (3 or more changes). Costs were approximately equally split between outpatient visits and drugs regardless of diagnosis or treatment changes. Regression analysis also revealed that costs were significantly influenced by years since diagnosis and clinic of enrolment. CONCLUSIONS: The annual cost of glaucoma treatment in Sweden is estimated to (euro)393 in 2008. Costs increase with number of treatment changes but also depend on diagnosis, years since diagnosis and clinic of enrolment. This is in line with other studies.
J. Svensson. IHE, Lund, Sweden.
Classification:
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics