[Cost-of-illness study in patients suffering from atopic eczema in Germany].
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.


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).


CONCLUSIONS
Prolongation of flare-free time and reduction in severity are not only desirable for the patients but also of economic interest.
Ehlken
B
B
MERG, Forschungsgruppe Medizinische Okonomie, München. birgit.ehlken@merg-munich.de
Möhrenschlager
M
M
Kugland
B
B
Berger
K
K
Quednau
K
K
Ring
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal / Q000191:economics; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006295:Health Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies