Costs of perennial allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma increase with severity and poor disease control

Abstract

Background

Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) represents a global and public health problem, due to its prevalence, morbidity, and impact on the quality of life. PAR is frequently associated to allergic asthma (AA). Costs of PAR with or without AA are poorly documented.

Objective

Our study aimed to detail medical resource utilization (MRU) and related direct cost for PAR, with or without concomitant AA, in France.

Methods

Using Electronic Health Records (EHRs), we identified in 2010 two cohorts of PAR patients, based on General Practitioners' diagnoses and prescribing data, with and without concomitant AA. For each patient, the EHRs were linked to corresponding claims data with MRU and costs during years 2011 to 2013. Predefined sub-group analyses were performed according to severity of PAR and level of AA control.

Results

The median annual cost reimbursed by social security system for a patient with PAR and no AA was 159€ in 2013. This varied from 111€ to 188€ depending on PAR severity. For patients with PAR and concomitant AA, the median annual cost varied between 266€ and 375€, and drug treatment accounted for 42%-55% of the costs, depending on asthma control.

Conclusion

This study linking diagnoses from EHRs to claims data collected valid information on PAR management, with or without concomitant AA, and on related costs. There was a clear increase of costs with severity of PAR and control of AA.

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