Direct cost analysis of COPD patients: A 1 year follow-up study

AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate direct costs of in patients admitted hospitalized and outpatient COPD for 1-year period in our center. METHODS: A total of 116 hospitalized and outpatient COPD patients in pulmonary disease were included in this study. All patients underwent demographic records. Pulmonary function tests, routine laboratory tests including arterial blood gases, chest X-ray, pulmonary arterial pressure on echocardiography were enrolled of the patients. Dyspnea scores were of COPD assessment test (CAT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC). Direct costs were calculated. Patients were classified according for staging system and costs were compared for staging for one year. RESULTS: In the study, 108 of 116 patients (93.1%) were male, 8 of 116 patients (6.9%) female and mean age was found 64.8 ± 10.3 years. The total direct costs of the patients were determined 3051.5 Turkish Lira (TL), 3024.5 TL, 5150.7 TL, and 6783.1 TL for GOLD 1,2, 3 and 4 groups respectively, according to the total direct costs of the patients were determined 1713.4 TL, 4294.8 TL, 2839.6±2 TL, 6199.5 TL for group A, B, C, and D, respectively. According to spirometric groups, the direct costs with stage COPD 4 (very severe) were higher than others for 1-year period. In addition the direct costs with Group B and Group D were higher than others for 1-year period, according for new GOLD staging. The costs of a consultation, hospitalization and intensive care unit of COPD 4 and group D were found to be more than any other groups. CONCLUSION: We believe that monitoring and regular treatment of patients diagnosed with COPD will reduce direct costs of COPD patients.