D3.139 - Asthma Comorbidities - do they add more cost, A 3-year follow-up study in Réunion Island

Comorbidities are common in asthma patients that have a heavy burden in terms of hospitalization. No conclusive data exist on the cost and type of comorbidity in asthma patients in Réunion Island, a French oversea region.

The aim of this study was to determine the direct costs and the costs of associated comorbidities derived from the management of hospitalized asthma patients by a retrospective 3-year follow up study.

A total of 51 (34 male and 15 female) asthma patients with different severity degrees were recruited (january 2021 and december 2023). We recorded, for each patient, anamnestic data, respiratory function, presence, and type of comorbidities. All direct medical costs incurred by the cohort and incurred to their comorbidities were calculated.

Mean age was 41 years (SD±9,4). Severity evaluation of airflow limitation showed that 27% had moderate asthma, 41% severe and 32% very severe. Mean FEV₁ was 51.1% predicted value.

The mean direct cost for asthma patients was €1021 (SD ±141) par hospitalization.

The cost of comorbidities was higher than mean cost of asthma without comorbidities.

In percentage of added cost was as follows: anemia + 31%, depression + 27%, obesity + 22%, obstructive sleep apnea + 19%, cardiovascular disease + 12% and diabetes + 9%.

There was a statistically significant difference for the costs incurred by asthma patients with comorbidities.