[Economic study on asthma in Mexico]

The objective of this study is to establish to cost of bronchial asthma in the budget for a Clinic-Hospital with a closed population and to learn about our achievements in controlling that illness, as well as our weaknesses and areas of opportunity. Another objective is to compare our results with similar studies in other countries.

In 1998, the Clinic Nova of Monterrey had a fixed population of 28,394 persons who receive the complete range of medical services, including hospitalization and drugs from the pharmacy. The prevalence of asthma in our clinic is 2.6%, direct and indirect costs were obtained according to the Biostatistics Department, Operative Control and Emergencies.

In 1998, the total cost of bronchial asthma was: 1,624,765.00 pesos. The direct cost of asthma was 1,582,735.00 pesos (97% of the total) and out of this, the cost of medications was 1,131,575.00 pesos (71% of the direct costs) and 42,030.00 pesos in indirect costs only represented 3% of the total.

Our results indicate that the greatest cost lies in the purchase of medication for ambulatory patients. The costs for hospitalization and visits to the emergency room only represented 10% of the total and, for that reason, our most important conclusion is that the physicians at Clinica Nova are using the preventive anti-inflammatory schemes recommended at present. This has helped to reduce the most important direct cost, hospitalization.