<p>Economic Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Systematic Literature Review</p>

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects over 250 million people globally, carrying a notable economic burden. This systematic literature review aimed to highlight the economic burden associated with moderate-to-very severe COPD and to investigate key drivers of healthcare resource utilization (HRU), direct costs and indirect costs for this patient population. Materials and Methods: Relevant publications published between January 1, 2006 and November 14, 2016 were captured from the Embase, MEDLINE and MEDLINE In-Process databases. Supplemental searches from relevant 2015-2016 conferences were also performed. Titles and abstracts were reviewed by two independent researchers against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were grouped by the type of economic outcome presented (HRU or costs). Where possible, data were also grouped according to COPD severity and/or patient exacerbation history. Results: In total, 73 primary publications were included in this review: 66 reported HRU, 22 reported direct costs and one reported indirect costs. Most of the studies (94%) reported on data from either Europe or North America. Trends were noted across multiple studies for higher direct costs (including mean costs per patient per year and mean costs per exacerbation) being associated with increasingly severe COPD and/or a history of more frequent or severe exacerbations. Similar trends were noted according to COPD severity and/or exacerbation history for rate of hospitalization and primary care visits. Multivariate analyses were reported by 29 studies and demonstrated the statistical significance of these associations. Several other drivers of increased costs and HRU were highlighted for patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD, including comorbidities, and treatment history. Conclusion: Moderate-to-very severe COPD represents a considerable economic burden for healthcare providers despite the availability of efficacious treatments and comprehensive guidelines on their use. Further research is warranted to ensure cost-efficient COPD management, to improve treatments and ease budgetary pressures.

<p>Systemic Cytokine Profiles of CD4+ T Lymphocytes Correlate with Clinical Features and Functional Status in Stable COPD</p>

“…Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a high prevalence worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. 1 COPD is a heterogeneous disease characterized by airflow limitation due to abnormalities in the airways and lung parenchyma with persistent respiratory symptoms. It is mainly caused by inhalation of harmful particles and/or gases, such as tobacco smoking.…”

Gasto de internação de idosos em unidades de terapia intensiva nos hospitais privados de uma capital do nordeste brasileiro

“…Among hospitalizations of elderly people in the ICU, 17.6% of the individuals had a need for mechanical ventilation at the time of admission to the sector, being associated with higher hospitalization expenses in the multiple analysis. The scientific literature corroborates these findings and highlights mechanical ventilation as a factor related to a longer length of stay for the elderly in the ICU, increased mortality, higher expenses and lower cost-effectiveness ratio 18,[27][28][29][30] . Therefore, once mechanical ventilation is instituted, it is important to establish monitoring and adequate management of respiratory function to identify any complications, constantly evaluate the response to treatment and perform ventilatory weaning as soon as possible.…”

The CT pulmonary vascular parameters and disease severity in COPD patients on acute exacerbation: a correlation analysis

“…At present, COPD is one of the major public health problems in the world, and it is expected to be the fourth leading cause of death in the world by 2030 [ 20 , 21 ]. It’s been estimated that more than 390 million people may have COPD in 2030 [ 22 ].…”