Lifetime patient outcomes and healthcare utilization for Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and extreme preterm infants: a microsimulation study

Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is among the most severe chronic lung diseases and predominantly affects premature infants. There is a general understanding of BPD's significant impact on the short-term outcomes however there is little evidence on long-term outcomes. Our study estimates the lifetime clinical outcomes, quality of life, and healthcare costs of BPD and associated complications. Methods We developed a microsimulation model to estimate lifetime clinical and economic burden of BPD among extreme preterm infants (<= 28 weeks gestational age at birth) and validated it against the best available Canadian data. We further estimate the cumulative incidence of major complications associated with BPD, differentiated by BPD severity and gestational age category. Results We find, on average, patients with BPD and resulting complications will incur over CAD$700,000 in lifetime health systems costs. We also find the average life expectancy of BPD patients to be moderately less than that of the general population and significant reductions in quality-adjusted life year due to major complications. Healthcare utilization and quality of life measures vary dramatically according to BPD severity, suggesting significant therapeutic headroom for interventions that can prevent or mitigate the effects of BPD for patients. Conclusions Our study adds a significant expansion of existing evidence by presenting the lifetime burden of BPD based on key patient characteristics. Given the extreme cost burden at the earliest stage of life and lifetime negative impact on quality of life, there is larger headroom for investment in prevention and mitigation of severe BPD than is currently available.