Constipation-related direct medical costs in 16 887 patients newly diagnosed with chronic constipation

Background Chronic constipation is a common condition, but the exact impact on healthcare budgets in Western Europe is poorly documented. Objectives The aim of this study was to (a) investigate chronic constipation-related direct medical costs in patients with newly diagnosed chronic constipation and (b) study differences in costs according to natural history. Patients and methods We identified 16 887 patients newly diagnosed with chronic constipation in a Dutch health insurance database (∼1.3 million patients) in 2006–2009. Individuals with chronic constipation were selected on the basis of chronic laxative use (≥90 days/year) and diagnostic related groups for chronic constipation. On the basis of the episodes of laxative use and diagnostic related groups, individuals were categorized as having persistent