[Risk factors for increased cost of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

To identify what variables characterizing the patients, exacerbations, and treatment of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with a higher direct health cost.

Observational pharmacoeconomic study of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD (of probable bacterial etiology, defined as Anthonisen types I or II). Direct health costs were assessed during 30 days of follow-up. Logistic regression was employed for statistical analysis, with calculation of the adjusted odds ratios (OR). An exacerbation cost greater than 150 euros was defined as the dependent variable.

Data on 1164 patients were collected by 252 physicians. Pharmacoeconomic data were complete in 947 patients (82.6%). In the first 30 days, 206 sought medical attention because of unsatisfactory response to treatment (21.8%), 69 (7.3%) attended the emergency room, and 22 (2.3%) were admitted to hospital. Overall, 101 exacerbations (10.7%) were classified as high cost (> 150 euros). Continuous oxygen therapy (OR = 7.58) and previous hospitalization (OR = 2.6) were associated with high-cost exacerbations, whereas diagnosis of chronic bronchitis (OR = 0.41) and treatment of the exacerbation with moxifloxacin or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid as opposed to clarithromycin (OR = 0.38) were associated with low-cost exacerbations.

Treatment failure was reported for 21.8% of the patients with exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD. Repeated medical visits and requests for complementary tests were the main factors responsible for increased cost. Variables associated with high-cost exacerbations were continuous oxygen therapy, previous hospitalization, and treatment with clarithromycin as opposed to moxifloxacin or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.