PRS6 DIRECT MEDICAL COSTS OF MODERATE TO SEVERE COPD IN A COLOMBIAN COHORT

Abstract

BACKGROUND: COPD is the third cause of death in Colombia. Little is known of the economic burden of the disease for the Colombian healthcare system. To describe demographic and clinical characteristics, exacerbations, health resource use and annual direct medical costs in a cohort of moderate to severe COPD patients in Colombia. Cost of illness study. Patients with moderate to severe COPD (FEV1/FVC<0,7, a COPD risk factor and GOLD 2019 groups B to D) from two specialized centers with a comprehensive disease program were included. Observations from baseline and one year thereafter were obtained. Data sources were, respectively, medical records for clinical information, expert panel for resource use during exacerbations, and institutional lists for prices. are expressed in 2019 USD ($1 = 3,281 COP). 200 patients were included, 48% female. Mean age (±SD) was 77.9±7.9 years. Median Charlson comorbidity index was 6 (range 2 to 10), mean FEV1 was 52.7±20.7%; mMRC dyspnea level was 1 in 1.5%, 2 in 72.5% and 3 in 26.0%. Median baseline blood eosinophil count was 200 cells/μl (range 0 to 3020). At least one moderate and severe exacerbation in the previous year occurred in 44% and 8% of patients respectively. Mean annual rate of moderate and severe exacerbations during the observation year was 0.61±0.87 and 0.15±0.43, respectively (range 0-3 for both). Mean (±SD) annual cost of COPD management per patient was $3,002±948 (range $345 to $5,896). 68% of the total cost measured came from non-pharmacological therapy (i.e. oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation), 20% from drug therapy and 10% from exacerbations. Estimated exacerbation costs per episode were $270 (moderate exacerbation), $990 (severe exacerbation, moderate COPD) and $1,400 (severe exacerbation, severe COPD). In institutions with a comprehensive COPD management program, treatment of exacerbations represents a small fraction of total resource use. Funding: GSK (PRJ2814)