The cost burden of COPD in France: A retrospective analysis of an administrative primary care database

Background: Long-acting bronchodilators (LABD) with or without inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can improve symptom control and risk of exacerbations for COPD patients, reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Limited recent evidence exists on healthcare costs associated with COPD in France. Objectives: To describe COPD-related primary healthcare costs 12 months post-initiation of LABD therapy/post-escalation to triple therapy (TT:LAMA/LABA/ICS) in France. Methods: Retrospective analysis of COPD patients in a primary care database (QuintilesIMS Longitudinal Patient Database). Cohort 1: new initiators of LABD therapy; LAMA, LABA, LAMA+LABA, LABA+ICS, LABA+LAMA+ICS. Cohort 2: patients escalating to TT from a maintenance treatment regimen. Both cohorts were indexed on the date of initiation/step-up, Jan 2008–Dec 2013. PCP visits and COPD medication costs (ICS, LABA, LAMA, LABA/ICS, SABA, SAMA, SAMA/SABA, antibiotics, corticosteroids, xanthines) were calculated for the 12 months after indexing, regardless of continuous use of index therapy. Results: 4984 patients initiated LABD and 501 escalated to TT. Per-patient costs are reported below. Conclusions: While these costs do not cover the full economic burden of COPD, the disease still places a burden on the French primary healthcare system. More research is required to fully understand the economic burden, incorporating secondary care costs. Funding: GSK (HO-15-16099)