COPD-Asthma Overlap in Brazilian Private Healthcare: Clinical Profiles and Outcomes from a Real-World Analysis
Author(s)
Lucas Bechara Jacob Ferreira, PharmD, PhD1, Sarah Franco Watanabe, MBA, PharmD1, Aline Barbosa2, Alexandre Taminato, Bachelor3, Frederico Magro, MBA, MSc, PharmD1.
1Sanofi, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2Health Economics Manager, Sanofi, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 3Sanofi Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
1Sanofi, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2Health Economics Manager, Sanofi, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 3Sanofi Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
OBJECTIVES: Type 2 inflammation underlies the pathophysiological mechanisms of various disorders characterized by distinct clinical manifestations across multiple organ systems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization patterns of patients diagnosed with COPD and co-morbid asthma within the Brazilian private healthcare system.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX real-world database. The study population comprised Brazilian adults (≥40 years) primarily diagnosed with COPD (ICD-10 codes J41-J44), presenting with eosinophil counts ≥300/µL and co-morbid asthma (ICD-10 code J45). Patients with secondary ICD-10 codes known to increase eosinophil levels were excluded. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization metrics, including outpatient visits, emergency room (ER) visits, and hospitalization, were analyzed (time horizon for 95% of data: Jan 2013 to Jun 2025).
RESULTS: The cohort analyzed included 350 individuals, averaging 3.15 ± 4.24 eosinophils/100 leukocytes in blood, with an average age of 68.5 ± 14.5 and 34% male. Most common comorbidities included circulatory system diseases (51%), viral or bacterial infections (40%), diseases of the musculoskeletal system (37%), influenza and pneumonia (34%), and genitourinary system disorders (34%). During the first year following the index date, 74% of these patients went through ambulatory visits, with a mean of 9.91 visits (SD ± 18.86); 43% ER visits with a mean of 3.11 visits (SD ± 2.93) and 37% hospitalization with a mean of 1.93 visits (SD ± 1.47).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COPD with high blood eosinophil count (≥300/µL) and concurrent asthma demonstrate significant healthcare resource utilization and a high burden of comorbidities, highlighting substantial unmet medical needs. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted type 2 inflammation therapies to optimize healthcare resource allocation and enhance clinical outcomes in this complex patient population.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX real-world database. The study population comprised Brazilian adults (≥40 years) primarily diagnosed with COPD (ICD-10 codes J41-J44), presenting with eosinophil counts ≥300/µL and co-morbid asthma (ICD-10 code J45). Patients with secondary ICD-10 codes known to increase eosinophil levels were excluded. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization metrics, including outpatient visits, emergency room (ER) visits, and hospitalization, were analyzed (time horizon for 95% of data: Jan 2013 to Jun 2025).
RESULTS: The cohort analyzed included 350 individuals, averaging 3.15 ± 4.24 eosinophils/100 leukocytes in blood, with an average age of 68.5 ± 14.5 and 34% male. Most common comorbidities included circulatory system diseases (51%), viral or bacterial infections (40%), diseases of the musculoskeletal system (37%), influenza and pneumonia (34%), and genitourinary system disorders (34%). During the first year following the index date, 74% of these patients went through ambulatory visits, with a mean of 9.91 visits (SD ± 18.86); 43% ER visits with a mean of 3.11 visits (SD ± 2.93) and 37% hospitalization with a mean of 1.93 visits (SD ± 1.47).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COPD with high blood eosinophil count (≥300/µL) and concurrent asthma demonstrate significant healthcare resource utilization and a high burden of comorbidities, highlighting substantial unmet medical needs. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted type 2 inflammation therapies to optimize healthcare resource allocation and enhance clinical outcomes in this complex patient population.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
RWD44
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Real World Data & Information Systems
Topic Subcategory
Health & Insurance Records Systems
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)