[Cost-benefit analysis of ocular examination of patients with rosacea].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the main ocular manifestations of patients with rosacea and to evaluate the cost-benefit of supplementary diagnostic examinations.


METHODS
Twenty patients with acne rosacea from the Dermatology Service of the São Paulo Federal University (UNIFESP) were interviewed through a questionnaire, submitted to ophthalmologic examination and tested with Schirmer I, fluorescein and rose Bengal staining, impression cytology and conjunctival scrub. The costs of these examinations were abstracted from the Public Health System's values (SUS), Brazilian Medical Association values (AMB) and values charged by a private service.


RESULTS
Twenty patients were enrolled initially in the study, but only 16 completed it. Eleven patients were female (55%), 19 were white (95%) and the average age was 56 years. All patients had at least one complaint related to rosacea. The most common symptoms were itching (40%), tearing (35%), foreign body sensation (30%). The most common signs were telangiectasis of lid margins (70%), hyperemia of lid margins (70%), meibomitis (65%) and blepharitis (50%). Most subsidiary examination showed normal results. There was difference of costs between the different paying sources.


CONCLUSIONS
The main ocular manifestations in rosacea were related with meibomian gland disease. Considering the subsidiary examination costs and their results, the ophthalmologic check-up presents the best cost-benefit for the patient with rosacea.
Lima
Keila Barbosa de Oliveira
KB
Departamento de Oftalmologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. kbol@uol.com.br
Sousa
Luciene Barbosa de
LB
Santos
Namir Clementino
NC
Barros
Jeison de Nadai
Jde N
Antonio
Denise
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / Q000191:economics*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012393:Rosacea / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires