Background

The aim of the present study was to estimate the societal costs and the key cost drivers for patients with severe asthma in Sweden. In addition, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and morbidity of patients with severe asthma is described.

Methods

The study population comprised adults with severe asthma recruited from a large asthma cohort within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies. During 2017, patients were interviewed quarterly over telephone regarding their resource utilization and productivity losses.

Results

Estimated mean annual asthma-related costs per patient with severe asthma amounted to €6,500, of which approximately €2400 and €4100 were direct and indirect costs, respectively. The main cost drivers for direct costs were hospitalizations followed by drugs: approximately €1000 and €800, respectively. Patients on treatment with regular oral corticosteroids (OCS) had greater direct costs compared with those without regular OCS treatment. Co-morbid conditions were common and the costs were substantial also for co-morbid conditions, with a total cost of approximately €4200. The OCS group had significantly lower HRQOL compared to the non-OCS group.

Conclusions

The societal costs due to severe asthma were substantial. Costs for co-morbid conditions contributed substantially to both direct and indirect costs. The direct costs were significantly higher in the maintenance OCS-group compared to the non-maintenance OCS-group. These results indicate a need for improved management and treatment regimens for patients with severe asthma.