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

Abstract Objective To analyze 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 annualized (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 p p 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.