Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Resolving Water, Proteins, and Lipids from In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectra of Stratum Corneum through a Chemometric Approach
Published on: September 26, 2019
[Cost-of-illness study in patients suffering from atopic eczema in Germany]
B Ehlken1, M Möhrenschlager, B Kugland
1MERG, Forschungsgruppe Medizinische Okonomie, München. birgit.ehlken@merg-munich.de
Background:
Atopic eczema is one of the most common skin diseases. In Germany, the economic burden is estimated to be EUR 1.2-3.5 billion yearly. The aim of this study was to show the resource utilization and costs for outpatient care and the out-of-pocket expenses for the patients.
Patients And Methods:
This study was a multi-center, retrospective and prospective cost-of-illness study. Patient characteristics and data on resource utilization were collected with a semi-structured patient questionnaire and by chart abstraction. 193 patients filled in the patient questionnaire; data from 169 patients were obtained by chart abstraction.
Results:
Average direct medical costs of a disease flare were EUR 123 per patient. Average annual total costs were EUR 1,425 per patient, increasing with severity from EUR 956 (mild) to EUR 2,068 (severe).
Conclusion:
Prolongation of flare-free time and reduction in severity are not only desirable for the patients but also of economic interest.