Economic burden of comorbidities among COPD Patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations: an analysis of a commercially insured population. (19th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shah, Chintal H.; Onukwugha, Eberechukwu; Zafari, Zafar; Villalonga-Olives, Ester; Park, Jeong-eun; Slejko, Julia F.
• Is Part Of: Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research. Volume 22:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 683
• Page End: 690
• Publication Date: 2022-05-19
• Subjects: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- acute exacerbations -- costs -- comorbidity; Pharmacology -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.47615105
• DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2021.1981291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7167

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: This study quantifies costs associated with comorbid conditions among adults diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who experience acute exacerbations (AECOPD) needing inpatient hospitalization. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used 2006–2015 IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus data, a health plan claims database. Patients aged 40–64 years, with AECOPD, defined as an inpatient hospitalization for a COPD-related diagnosis were included. The impact of comorbidities on AECOPD costs (costs of the COPD-related inpatient stay plus healthcare services used 30 days post-discharge) was determined using multivariable regression. The models adjusted for clinical complications, previous utilization, age, sex, region, year, length of hospitalization, and season of admission. Results: Among these COPD patients, 89.5% had at least 1 comorbidity. The mean cost for AECOPD was 2015 US $19, 687 (SD: 27, 035, median: 11, 539). Congestive heart failure, lipid disorders, cancer, and presence of any of the 10 most frequent comorbidities were associated with $1, 921 (95% confidence interval (CI): 977–2, 866), $1, 619 (95% CI: 967–2, 272), $8, 347 (95% CI: 7, 236–9, 458), and $4, 433 (95% CI: 3, 598–5, 268) higher costs, respectively than corresponding individuals without these comorbid conditions. Patients with depressive disorders were associated with $1, 592 (95% CI: 828–2, 355) lower costs compared to those without depressive disorders. Conclusion: COPD comorbidity imposes a significant economic burden on AECOPD.