Direct and indirect healthcare resource utilisation in severe asthma patients in China

<bold>Background</bold> Despite increased guideline attention to severe asthma, and evolving treatment approaches, new assessments of healthcare burden are needed. <bold>Aim</bold> This study describes healthcare resource utilisation of severe asthma patients in China. <bold>Methods</bold> Data were drawn from the 2022 Adelphi Asthma Disease Specific Programme, a cross-sectional survey of 1161 patients with asthma in China (Jul–Dec 2022). 236 physicians across 10 provinces completed treatment and healthcare resource utilisation information via an online questionnaire for up to 9 asthma patients per physician. The same patients completed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Results are descriptive for patients on GINA treatment steps 4 or 5 with uncontrolled asthma according to the ATS/ERS definition. <bold>Results</bold> In total 553 asthma patients were analysed (mean age 53 years, 57% male). 88% were prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) plus long-acting beta-agonist combination. Other add on controllers included leukotriene receptor antagonist (43%), oral maintenance CS (33%). A biologic was prescribed to 5% of patients. 55% of patients experienced at least 1 exacerbation in the past 12 months that required 1 or more nights hospital stay (mean 8.5 in-patient nights). 27% of patients hospitalised required intensive care unit treatment (mean 2.7 in-patient nights). Mean number of outpatient visits in the previous 12 months to a hospital-based physician was 4.9. Absenteeism and activity impairment were 15% and 62%, respectively. <bold>Conclusions</bold> Unmet need for severe uncontrolled asthma patients in China is shown by the high exacerbation rate, which leads to high direct and indirect healthcare resource utilisation.