Inpatient resource utilisation in younger (2-5 yrs) and older (6-14 yrs) asthmatic children in Finland.

Asthma is the most common chronic disorder among Finnish children, however, the economic burden of paediatric asthma in Finland has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare inpatient resource utilisation between younger (2-5 yrs) and older children (6-14 yrs) with asthma in Finland. A national database of inpatient resource utilisation was applied to determine use of hospital services among children with asthma in 1999. Regional estimates of charges were combined with hospitalisation episodes to determine total inpatient cost. The results indicate that younger asthmatic children consume 3-times more inpatient resources per capita. Incidence of first admissions because of asthma was 3-times higher in younger children. Hospitalisation and rehospitalisation rates were also 3- and 4-times higher, respectively. The total annual inpatient cost of asthma in children aged 2-5 and 6-14 yrs was Euro 1.98 million with each group accounting for Euro 1.12 million and Euro 0.86 million, respectively. Regional and age-related differences in hospitalisation rates and costs were likely related to variable clinical practice on the primary level, difficulties with diagnosis and compliance among younger children.