Comparison of Health Care Utilization and Costs Associated With Inhaled Corticosteroid Versus Beta(2)-Agonist Therapy in the Management of Asthma at Darnall Army Community Hospital

摘要

Previous studies have found that the use of inhaled steroids to control asthma results in significant economic and clinical benefits when compared to alternative pharmacologic therapies. National and international guidelines on the management of asthma state that inhaled steroids are the preferred treatment in the management of persistent asthma. The aim of this study was to compare the economic impact of inhaled steroid versus beta2-agonist use in the management of asthma at Darnall Army Community Hospital. Methods: A retrospective, database study was undertaken in 195 persistent asthmatics, regardless of age, from October 1998 to March 1999. The treatment groups being compared were those using inhaled beta2-agonists versus inhaled corticosteroids. Patients with COPD were excluded from the study. Variables of interest were health care utilization and costs associated with prescriptions, physician visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. This study took the perspective of the institution; therefore, only direct costs were considered.