The economic burden of asthma in Italy: evaluating the potential impact of different treatments in adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma

Matteo Scortichini (), Francesco Saverio Mennini, Andrea Marcellusi, Martina Paoletti, Carlo Tomino and Paolo Sciattella
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Matteo Scortichini: University of Rome Tor Vergata
Francesco Saverio Mennini: University of Rome Tor Vergata
Andrea Marcellusi: University of Rome Tor Vergata
Martina Paoletti: University of Rome Tor Vergata
Carlo Tomino: IRCCS San Raffaele Roma
Paolo Sciattella: University of Rome Tor Vergata

The European Journal of Health Economics, 2025, vol. 26, issue 5, No 12, 869-876

Abstract: Abstract Introduction Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition that significantly impacts public health, with severe asthma subtypes, such as severe eosinophilic asthma, imposing substantial socioeconomic burdens. Methods Real-world data from the Italian Health Information System were analyzed to evaluate the economic consequences of asthma in Italy. An in-depth comparative analysis was conducted to investigate the economic implications of various asthma subtypes, focusing on severe eosinophilic asthma. Additionally, the study projected the potential cost-effectiveness of novel treatments aimed at reducing hospitalization rates, specialist visits, and oral corticosteroid use for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma in Italy. Results The analysis revealed that severe asthma, and notably severe eosinophilic asthma, places a substantial economic burden on the Italian National Health System. Estimates demonstrated that implementing innovative treatments to mitigate the risks of hospitalization and specialist visits, as well as reducing oral corticosteroid usage in severe eosinophilic asthma patients, could lead to significant cost savings. The cost-consequence analysis indicated potential yearly reductions of €50.0 million (27%) for the treatment of severe asthma and €31.7 million (26%) for severe eosinophilic asthma. Conclusions This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the economic repercussions of severe asthma in Italy. The findings emphasize the necessity of identifying and developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve the management of severe asthma while simultaneously reducing the economic burden on the healthcare system. These results offer valuable insights for healthcare policymakers and practitioners, facilitating evidence-based decisions in asthma management and healthcare policy in Italy.

Keywords: Asthma; Severe eosinophilic asthma; Real world evidence; Italy; Economic burden (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10198-024-01736-5

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