Long-term cost and effect on quality of life of osteoporosis-related fractures in Sweden.
OBJECTIVE
Few economic or quality-of-life studies have investigated the long-term consequences of fragility fractures. This prospective observational data collection study assessed the cost and quality of life related to hip, vertebral, and wrist fracture 13-18 months after the fracture, based on 684 patients surviving 18 months after fracture.


METHODS
Data regarding resource use and quality of life related to fractures was collected using questionnaires at 7 research centers in Sweden. Information was collected using patient records, register sources, and by asking the patient. Quality of life was estimated using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Direct and indirect costs were estimated from a societal standpoint.


RESULTS
The mean fracture-related cost 13-18 months after a hip, vertebral, or wrist fracture were estimated to be euro2,422, euro3,628, and euro316, respectively. Between 12 and 18 months after hip, vertebral, and wrist fracture, utility increased by 0.03, 0.05, and 0.02, respectively. Compared to prefracture levels, the mean loss in quality of life between 13 and 18 months after fracture was estimated to be 0.05, 0.11, and 0.005 for hip, vertebral, and wrist fracture.


CONCLUSIONS
The sample of vertebral fracture patients was fairly small and included a high proportion of fractures leading to hospitalization, but the results indicate higher long-term costs and greater loss in quality of life related to vertebral fracture than previously believed.
Ström
Oskar
O
Innovus, Stockholm, Sweden. oskar.s@healtheconomics.se
Borgstrom
Fredrik
F
Zethraeus
Niklas
N
Johnell
Olof
O
Lidgren
Lars
L
Ponzer
Sari
S
Svensson
Olle
O
Abdon
Peter
P
Ornstein
Ewald
E
Ceder
Leif
L
Thorngren
Karl Goran
KG
Sernbo
Ingemar
I
Jonsson
Bengt
B
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000191:economics* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology