Analysis of costs associated with the management and morbidity of diabetic macular oedema and macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the disease burden in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) or with retinal vein occlusion macular oedema (RVOMO) from a societal perspective.

Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted on patients >18 years old diagnosed with uni- or bilateral DMO or unilateral RVOMO. Data on the use of health resources from diagnosis was collected, and the impact of disease on work life was assessed. Costs were annualised (euros, January 2014). Differences were contrasted using Chi-squared test (or Fisher Exact test), Mann Whitney-U test or Kruskal-Wallis test (Dunn contrast).

Results: A total of 448 patients were included (DMO 255; RVOMO 193). There were significant differences in costs of diagnosis: RVOMO €1856, bilateral DMO €1661, and unilateral DMO €1401 (P<.001) and the aggregate medical costs: RVOMO €4639, bilateral DMO 6275€ and unilateral DMO 6269€ (P<.001). Cost by permanent time off work was higher in bilateral DMO €11712, than in unilateral DMO €4284€, and than in RVOMO €1052 (P<.05). Linear regression analysis showed that variables associated with direct health costs were: Diagnosis (bilateral DMO was associated with higher cost), as well as number of days in hospital, number of visits, time of observation, and number of days of time off work.

Conclusions: Patients with bilateral DMO are associated with a higher direct health cost, as well as a higher indirect cost by impact of the disease on work life.

Keywords: Burden of illness; Coste de la enfermedad; Diabetic macular oedema; Edema macular diabético; Edema macular por oclusión venosa retiniana; Incapacidad laboral; Perspectiva de la sociedad; Retinal venous occlusion macular oedema; Societal perspective; Work disability.