[Therapy changes and cost development in bronchial asthma. A 10-year retrospective study at the medical outpatient clinic of the Zurich University Hospital].
The changes that have taken place in asthma therapy during the past ten years and their consequences regarding costs were studied analyzing retrospectively 285 clinical histories of asthmatics treated at the University Hospital Zurich in 1977, 1982 and 1987. The following changes in the use of the five basic antiasthmatic drugs i.e. beta-adrenoceptor agonists, anticholinergic drugs, xanthines, glucocorticosteroids and antiallergic drugs were observed: In 1977 80% of asthmatics received beta-agonists, in 1987 90%. Conversely, parasympatholytics were rarely used: In 1977 in only 2%, in 1982 in 16% and in 1987 in 27% of patients. In 1987 xanthines were prescribed in only 50% of asthmatics whereas in 1982 after the introduction of retarded preparations, these drugs were given to 86% of patients. In 1977 only one-third of asthmatics received glucocorticosteroids; in 1987, however, three-quarters of them. Antiallergic drugs were prescribed in 1977 and 1987 in about 25% of the asthmatics, in 1982 in only 13%. Considering the form of application there was a significant trend towards metered aerosols. This was true for betamimetics, parasympatholytics and glucocorticosteroids. Fixed combinations and rectal applications of xanthines were substituted for retarded formulations. In 1977 one or two antiasthmatic drugs accounted for 75% of asthma therapy. In contrast, in 1987 60% of asthmatics received more than two antiasthmatic drugs. The dosages of salbutamol and beclomethasone increased significantly from 1977 to 1987. Other changes in dosages were not significant. The change in costs of antiasthmatic therapy revealed significant savings in regard of xanthines and antiallergic drugs. During the past ten years the overall costs of antiasthmatic drugs therapy remained the same despite more complex therapy.
Bregenzer
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Departement für Innere Medizin, Universitätsspital Zürich, Schweiz.
Mössinger
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Medici
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TC
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000336:Aerosols; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D010276:Parasympatholytics