수면무호흡증과 사회경제적 영향

Abstract

This paper reviews some concepts on health economics. It then examines the few papers published on health economics analysis applied to the field of sleep apnea syndrome, as well as the literature on the indirect cost consequences of sleep apnea syndrome. It appears that undiagnosed sleep apnea results, roughly, in a two-fold increase in the medical expenses in the years preceding the diagnosis. Treating the disease results in a measurable decrease in these excess costs. It seems clear that untreated sleep apnea increases domestic, workplace and road accidents, which will carry a definite economic cost consequence. From the health economic point of view, the diagnostic strategy with the greater utility is not necessarily the less expensive one. From the patient perspective, sleep apnea decreases the ability to enjoy life, and its treatment is worth considering. The global image of the health costs related to sleep apnea is still blurred, and further work is required to get the complete and clear picture of the economic consequences of this disease and of its treatment.