Systematic literature review of the clinical, humanistic, and economic burden associated with asthma uncontrolled by GINA Steps 4 or 5 treatment

Abstract

Despite the availability of approved asthma treatments, this literature analysis confirms that SUA poses a substantial epidemiologic, clinical, humanistic, and economic burden. Published data are limited for certain aspects of SUA, highlighting a need for further research.

The burden of adult asthma in Finland: impact of disease severity and eosinophil count on health care resource utilization

“…The prevalence of severe asthma has been estimated to be approximately 5-10% among patients with asthma (1,9), although the use of different disease definitions means that there is a high degree of variation among estimates (10)(11)(12)(13). Despite the relatively low prevalence of severe asthma, it places a high burden on health care systems.…”

“…Despite the relatively low prevalence of severe asthma, it places a high burden on health care systems. In particular, severe asthma is estimated to account for more than 50% of total asthma-related health care costs (13,14). In Sweden, it is reported that patients with severe asthma on regular oral corticosteroid (OCS) treatment have total health care costs that are double those of patients using OCS periodically, and three times higher than patients who do not use OCS (15).…”

“…Comorbidities are a substantial cost driver in these patients (15). In addition, health care costs have been shown to be higher in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma compared with those without an eosinophilic phenotype (13).…”

Uncontrolled severe asthma: starting from the unmet needs

“…The last, which is actually independent of asthma severity, is even more impacting when it regards severe asthma. In fact, although severe asthma represents a small proportion of the overall asthma prevalence, it substantially contributes to the global burden of the disease, especially when uncontrolled 2,3 . Many aspects of individual and community life may be affected by severe uncontrolled asthma (SUA).…”

“…Many aspects of individual and community life may be affected by severe uncontrolled asthma (SUA). The article by Chen et al 3 in Curr Med Res Opin points out the major criticisms related to SUA, such as its epidemiology, clinical features, and the impact of the novel therapies in term of efficacy and costs 3 . Some shadows still characterize the knowledge about severe asthma, and probably limit its optimal management.…”