Catastrophic Health Expenditure Among Cancer Patients In National Cancer Institute (NCI), Malaysia And Its Influencing Factors

@#Introduction: This study looks at the patient’s perspective to determine the Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) level and the possible factors which can be associated with CHE in cancer patients. Methods: This cross sectional study was done in National Cancer Institute, Malaysia with 206 patients sampled using the multilevel sampling method and data collected from interview with patients using a validated questionnaire. The CHE definition used in this study is when the monthly health expenditure exceeds more than 10% of the monthly household income. Results: This study showed a CHE level of 26.2%. CHE was higher in Indian ethnicity (P = 0.017), single marital status (P = 0.019), poverty income (P < 0.001), small household size (P = 0.006) and without Guarantee Letter (GL) (P = 0.002) groups. The significant predicting factors were poverty income aOR 5.60 (95% CI: 2.34 – 13.39), home distance near to hospital aOR 4.12 (95% CI: 1.74 – 9.76), small household size aOR 4.59 (95% CI: 1.07 – 19.72) and lack of Guarantee Letter aOR 3.21 (95% CI: 1.24 – 8.30). Conclusion: The information from this paper can be used by policy makers to formulate better strategies in terms of health financing so that high risk for CHE cancer patients groups can be protected under a better health financing system.

Impacto del Aseguramiento en Salud en la Economía de los Hogares Peruanos, 2010-2019

Objetivo : Determinar el impacto del aseguramiento en salud en la economía de los hogares peruanos en el periodo 2010-2019. Materiales y Métodos : Estudio analítico transversal, que utilizó la base de datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares de los años 2010, 2014 y 2019 para analizar el impacto del aseguramiento en salud en términos de gasto de bolsillo en salud, gasto catastrófico y empobrecimiento de los hogares peruanos, así como determinar qué otros factores se encuentran asociados. Resultados : Durante el periodo de estudio se observó que los hogares peruanos presentaron una disminución del gasto de bolsillo en salud promedio mensual (S/.119,9 en 2010 a S/.107,9 en 2019), así como del porcentaje de hogares con gasto catastrófico en salud (4,06 % en 2010 a 3,47 % en 2019) y del porcentaje de hogares que empobrecen por gastos de bolsillo en salud (1,78 % en 2010 a 1,51 % en 2019). Los factores asociados al gasto catastrófico en salud y al empobrecimiento fueron el menor nivel de escolaridad del jefe del hogar, la presencia de miembros con enfermedad crónica y el área de residencia rural. La ausencia de aseguramiento en salud se asoció significativamente a un mayor riesgo de gasto de bolsillo en salud catastrófico, mas no al empobrecimiento. Conclusiones : El aumento de la cobertura de aseguramiento en salud contribuye a la protección financiera de los hogares peruanos frente al gasto de bolsillo en salud; sin embargo, las barreras para el acceso efectivo a los servicios de salud y otros factores socioeconómicos pueden limitar significativamente su impacto.

Objective : To determine the impact of health insurance in the economy of Peruvian households during the 2010-2019 period. Material and Methods : This is a cross-sectional analytical study that used the database of the National Peruvian Household Surveys from years 2010, 2014, and 2019, aiming to analyze the impact of health insurance in terms of pocket money spending for health issues, catastrophic healthcare spending, and impoverishment in Peruvian households, and also to determine the presence of other associated factors. Results : During the study period, it was observed that Peruvian households reduced their monthly average pocket money spending for health issues (119.9 PEN in 2010 and 107.9 PEN in 2029), as well as the percentage of household with catastrophic healthcare expenses (4.06% in 2010 to 3.47% in 2019), and the percentage of households who became impoverished because of pocket money expenses for health issues (1.78% in 2020 to 1.51% in 2019). Factors associated to catastrophic healthcare expenses and to impoverishment were lower educational level for the household leader, the presence of family members with chronic diseases, and living in a rural area. The absence of health insurance was significantly associated to a greater risk for catastrophic healthcare expenses, but not to impoverishment. Conclusions : Increased healthcare insurance coverage contributes to financial protection of Peruvian households against pocket money spending for health issues; however, barriers for effective access to healthcare services, and other socioeconomical factors may significantly limit this impact.

Enfermedad de Cushing recurrente con hipercortisolismo catastrófico: reporte de caso y revisión de literatura / Catastrophic hypercortisolism and recurrence in Cushing´s disease: a case report and literature review / Doença de Cushing recorrente com hipercortisolismo catastrófico: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Resumen: Presentamos un caso de una paciente femenina de 27 años, con síndrome de Cushing ACTH dependiente con hipercortisolismo severo, causado por un macroadenoma hipofisario recurrente y resistente pese a dos cirugías transesfenoidales, radioterapia y terapia médica. Dada la falla en las diferentes terapias se realiza una adrenalectomía bilateral como tratamiento definitivo. La paciente fallece en el posoperatorio por causa no clara. Si bien la adrenalectomía bilateral ha sido reportada como un tratamiento efectivo en pacientes con enfermedad de Cushing, se ha relacionado con una mortalidad significativa vinculada con la severidad del hipercortisolismo y las comorbilidades presentes. En este caso la adrenalectomía izquierda se tuvo que convertir a cielo abierto, asociada con mayor morbimortalidad.

Abstract: The study presents the case of a 27-year-old female patient with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) dependent Cushing's disease and severe hypercortisolism caused by recurrent pituitary macroadenoma that was resistant to treatment despite two transsphenoidal surgeries, radiotherapy and medical treatment. Upon failure of the different therapies a bilateral adrenalectomy was performed as the final treatment. The patient died in after surgery although the case of death was not clear. Despite bilateral adrenalectomy having been reports as an effective treatment in patients with Cushing's disease, it has been related to significant mortality rates in connection with the severity of hypercortisolism and existing comorbilities. In this case the left adrenalectomy ended up being an open surgery, which is associated to a higher mortality rate.

Resumo: Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente de 27 anos com síndrome de Cushing ACTH-dependente com hipercortisolismo grave causado por macroadenoma hipofisário, recorrente e resistente, apesar de haver sido submetida a duas cirurgias transesfenoidal, radioterapia e terapia medicamentosa. Diante do fracasso das diferentes terapias, foi realizada adrenalectomia bilateral como tratamento definitivo. A paciente faleceu no pós-operatório por causa não esclarecida. Embora a adrenalectomia bilateral tenha sido relatada como tratamento eficaz em pacientes com doença de Cushing, ela tem sido associada a mortalidade significativa relacionada à gravidade do hipercortisolismo e às comorbidades presentes. Neste caso, a adrenalectomia esquerda teve que ser convertida para cirurgia aberta, associada a maior morbimortalidade.

Out-of-pocket expenditures associated with congenital zika syndrome in Brazil: an analysis of household health spending / Gastos out-of-pocket associados à síndrome congênita do vírus Zika no Brasil: uma análise dos gastos domiciliares em saúde

Objective: The study aims to estimate catastrophic health expenditures associated with the diagnosis and follow-up treatment of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in children affected during the 2015-2016 epidemic in Brazil. Catastrophic health expenditures are defined as health spending that exceeds a predefined proportion of the household's total expenditures, exposing family members to financial vulnerability. Methods: Ninety-six interviews were held in the cities of Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro in a convenience sample, using a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and private household expenditures associated with the syndrome, which also allowed estimating catastrophic expenditures resulting from care for CZS. Results: Most of the mothers interviewed in the study were brown, under 34 years of age, unemployed, and reported a monthly family income of two minimum wages or less. Spending on medicines accounted for 77.6% of the medical expenditures, while transportation and food were the main components of nonmedical expenditures, accounting for 79% of this total. The affected households were largely low-income and suffered catastrophic expenditures due to the disease. Considering the family income metric, in 41.7% of the households, expenses with the child's disease exceeded 10% of the household income. Conclusion: Public policies should consider the financial and healthcare needs of these families to ensure adequate support for individuals affected by CZS.

Objetivo: O estudo tem como objetivo estimar os gastos catastróficos em saúde associados ao diagnóstico e acompanhamento do tratamento da síndrome congênita do Zika (SCZ) em crianças afetadas durante a epidemia de 2015-2016 no Brasil. Gastos catastróficos em saúde são definidos como gastos com saúde que excedem uma proporção predefinida dos gastos totais do domicílio, expondo os membros da família à vulnerabilidade financeira. Métodos: Foram realizadas 96 entrevistas nas cidades de Fortaleza e Rio de Janeiro numa amostra de conveniência, por meio de questionário sobre características sociodemográficas e gastos privados domiciliares associados à síndrome, o que também permitiu estimar gastos catastróficos decorrentes do cuidado à SCZ. Resultados: A maioria das mães entrevistadas no estudo era parda, com menos de 34 anos, desempregada e com renda familiar mensal igual ou inferior a dois salários mínimos. Os gastos com medicamentos representaram 77,6% dos gastos médicos, enquanto transporte e alimentação foram os principais componentes dos gastos não médicos, respondendo por 79% desse total. Os domicílios afetados eram, em grande parte, de baixa renda e sofreram gastos catastróficos devido à doença. Considerando a métrica de renda familiar, em 41,7% dos domicílios, os gastos com a doença da criança ultrapassaram 10% da renda familiar. Conclusão: As políticas públicas devem considerar as necessidades financeiras e de saúde dessas famílias para garantir o suporte adequado aos indivíduos acometidos pela SCZ.

Terapia de presión negativa para el manejo de abdomen catastrófico secundario a íleo biliar / Negative Pressure Therapy for Managing Catastrophic Abdomen following Gallstone Ileus

Introducción: El abdomen catastrófico o abdomen hostil es una entidad quirúrgica de gran importancia por la pérdida de los distintos espacios entre los órganos de la cavidad abdominal y las estructuras de la cavidad abdominal. Estas alteraciones producen cambios anatómicos grandes por un síndrome adherencial severo. Objetivo: Demostrar la presentación de un abdomen catastrófico posterior a manejo de íleo biliar en un paciente adulto. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 43 años que producto de un abdomen agudo obstructivo por íleo biliar evolucionó tórpidamente en otra casa asistencial. Se realizaron 3 intervenciones quirúrgicas, hasta llegar a nuestra casa asistencial donde se le trata de manera multidisciplinaria e integral. Estuvo 120 días hospitalizado y se le realizó 5 intervenciones quirúrgicas para aplicación y recambio de terapia de presión negativa abdominal abierta (ABThera). Durante la última intervención al encontrar una cavidad limpia y sin fugas se realiza gastroentero anastomosis en Y de Roux con una buena evolución clínico-quirúrgica hasta el alta, con seguimiento dos meses posteriores por consulta externa. Conclusiones: El abdomen catastrófico es un reto para el manejo por los cirujanos porque se requiere aparte de un vasto conocimiento también el apoyo de otras especialidades para poder combatir esta entidad(AU)

Introduction: Catastrophic abdomen or hostile abdomen is a surgical entity of great significance due to the loss of the different spaces between organs and the structures of the abdominal cavity. These alterations produce major anatomical changes due to a severe adhesive syndrome. Objective: To show the presentation of a catastrophic abdomen following gallstone ileus management in an adult patient. Clinical case: A 43-year-old male patient who, as a consequence of an acute obstructive abdomen due to gallstone ileus, had a torpid evolution into another care facility. Three surgical interventions were performed before he arrived at our care facility, where he was treated in a multidisciplinary and comprehensive way. He was hospitalized for 120 days and underwent five surgical interventions for application and replacement of the open abdomen negative pressure therapy (ABThera). During the last intervention, upon finding a clean cavity without leaks, a Roux-en-Y gastroenteric anastomosis was performed, with a good clinical-surgical evolution until discharge and follow-up of two months thereafter in the outpatient clinic. Conclusions: Catastrophic abdomen is a challenge to be managed by surgeons because it requires, apart from vast knowledge, the support of other specialties to combat this entity(AU)

Gastos das famílias com planos de saúde no Brasil e comprometimento da renda domiciliar: uma análise da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (2017/2018) / Family expenditures on healthcare plans in Brazil and household budget commitment: an analysis of the Brazilian Household Budgets Survey (2017/2018) / Gastos de las familias con planes de salud en Brasil y comprometimiento de la renta domiciliaria: un análisis de la Encuesta de Presupuestos Familiares (2017/2018)

Estudos com edições anteriores da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) indicam que, no Brasil, pagar um plano de saúde aumenta o percentual da renda gasto com saúde e não reduz a probabilidade de ter gastos excessivos com saúde. Descrevem-se relações entre gastos com planos de saúde, renda e faixas etárias, destacando o efeito de ter plano sobre a probabilidade de comprometer mais de 40% da renda com despesas relacionadas à saúde. Análise de microdados da POF 2017/2018 para determinar o comprometimento da renda domiciliar per capita dos pagantes de planos por faixa etária e por tipo de plano, e regressão logística para fatores associados a comprometer mais de 40% da renda com despesas de saúde. Em 12 meses, R$ 78,1 bilhões foram gastos com planos médicos por 22,1 milhões de pessoas. O comprometimento da renda com planos individuais aumenta consistentemente com a idade, passando de 4,5% da renda domiciliar per capita (< 19 anos) para 10,6% dessa renda (79 anos ou mais). A probabilidade de comprometer mais de 40% da renda com despesas de saúde diminui com a renda, cresce com a idade e é maior para quem paga plano de saúde. A despesa apenas com os planos supera 40% da renda domiciliar per capita para 5,6% das pessoas com 60 anos ou mais que pagam planos individuais e para 4% das que pagam planos empresariais. As pessoas nas faixas de idade mais altas e faixas de renda mais baixas são as com maior probabilidade de comprometer mais de 40% da renda com despesas de saúde. Rever as regras de reajuste por idade dos planos é uma alternativa para tentar mitigar esse problema.

According to studies using previous editions of the Household Budgets Survey (POF) in Brazil, paying for a healthcare plan increases the percentage of income spent on health and fails to reduce the probability of incurring excessive health expenditures. The study's objective was to describe relations between expenditures on healthcare plans, income, and age groups, highlighting the effect of having a plan on the probability of committing more than 40% of income on health-related expenditures. An analysis of the POF 2017/2018 determined the commitment of per capita household income for payers of plans by age group and type of plan and logistic regression for factors associated with committing more than 40% of income to health-related expenditures. In 12 months, 22.1 million Brazilians spent BRL 78.1 billion on private medical insurance. The share of income spent on individual plans increases consistently with age, from 4.5% of per capita household income (at < 19 years) to 10.6% of this income (at 79 years or older). The probability of committing more than 40% of income to health expenditures decreases with income, increases with age, and is higher for those paying for health plans. Spending on healthcare plans alone exceeds 40% of per capita household income for 5.6% of Brazilians 60 years or older who pay for individual plans and for 4% of those who pay for company plans. Persons in the oldest age groups and in the lowest income brackets show the highest likelihood of spending more than 40% of their income on healthcare. A revision of the plans' adjustment by age is an alternative for attempting to mitigate this problem.

Estudios con ediciones anteriores de la Encuesta de Presupuestos Familiares (POF) indican que, en Brasil, pagar un plan de salud aumenta el porcentaje de la renta gastado con salud y no reduce la probabilidad de tener gastos excesivos con la salud. El objetivo fue describir las relaciones entre gastos con planes de salud, renta y franjas de edad, destacando el efecto de tener un plan sobre la probabilidad de comprometer más de un 40% de la renta con gastos relacionados con la salud. Se realizó un análisis de microdatos de la POF 2017/2018 para determinar el comprometimiento de la renta domiciliaria per cápita de los pagadores de planes por franja etaria y por tipo de plan, así como una regresión logística para factores asociados con comprometer más de un 40% de la renta con gastos de salud. En 12 meses, BRL 78,1 mil millones se gastaron con planes médicos por 22,1 millones de personas. El comprometimiento de la renta con planes individuales aumenta consistentemente con la edad, pasando de 4,5% de la renta domiciliaria per cápita (< 19 años) al 10,6% de esa renta (79 años o más). La probabilidad de comprometer más de un 40% de la renta con gastos de salud disminuye con la renta, crece con la edad y es mayor para quien paga un plan de salud. El gasto solo con los planes supera un 40% de la renta domiciliaria per cápita para un 5,6% de las personas con 60 años o más que pagan planes individuales y para un 4% de los que pagan planes empresariales. Las personas en las franjas de edad más altas y franjas de renta más bajas son las que tienen mayor probabilidad de comprometer más de un 40% de la renta con gastos de salud. Revisar las reglas de reajuste por edad de los planes es una alternativa para intentar mitigar ese problema.

Catastrophic Health Expenditure and Impoverishment from NonCommunicable Diseases: A comparison of Private and Public Health Facilities in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria

Catastrophic health expenditure and impoverishment are the outcomes of poor financing mechanisms. Little is known about the prevalence and predictors of these outcomes among non-communicable disease patients in private and public health facilities. METHODS: A health facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 patients with non-communicable diseases (180 per group) selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected with a semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 22.0. Two prevalences of catastrophic health expenditure were calculated utilizing both the World Bank (CHE1) and the WHO (CHE2) methodological thresholds. RESULTS: The prevalence of CHE1 (Private:42.2%, Public:21.7%, p<0.001) and CHE2 (Private:46.8%, Public:28.0%, p<0.001) were higher in private health facilities. However, there was no significant difference between the proportion of impoverishment (Private: 24.3%, Public:30.9%, p=0.170). The identified predictors were occupation, number of complications and clinic visits for catastrophic health expenditure and socioeconomic status for impoverishment in private health facilities. Level of education, occupation, socioeconomic status, number of complications and alcohol predicted catastrophic health expenditure while the level of education, socioeconomic status andthe number of admissions predicted impoverishment in public health facilities. CONCLUSION: Catastrophic health expenditure and impoverishment were high among the patients, with the former more prevalent in private health facilities. Therefore, we recommend expanding the coverage and scope of national health insurance among these patients to provide them with financial risk protection. Identified predictors should be taken into account by the government and other stakeholders when designing policies to limit catastrophic health expenditure and impoverishment among them

Magnitud, composición y efecto económico en los hogares del gasto de bolsillo de las personas ingresadas al hospital respiratorio integrado de Encarnación en un semestre durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Magnitude, composition, and economic effect on households of the out-of-pocket expenditure of people admitted to the Encarnacion integrated respiratory hospital in one semester during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: Ante el COVID-19 se reorganizaron hospitales en el sistema de salud de Paraguay donde el financiamiento predominante es el gasto de bolsillo. Objetivos: Analizar el gasto de bolsillo en el hospital respiratorio integrado de Encarnación. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, observacional, descriptivo entre agosto 2020 y febrero 2021. Incluyó una muestra no aleatoria de 95 casos. Se aplicó una encuesta telefónica a un informante clave. Las variables dependientes fueron: gasto de bolsillo, razón gasto/ingreso y razón gasto/días de internación. Las independientes fueron: sexo, adulto mayor, ingreso a UTI, seguro médico y diagnóstico de COVID-19. El gasto excesivo se definió como mayor a 0,1 del ingreso y el catastrófico como mayor a 0,25 del ingreso. La asociación significativa se determinó mediante pruebas de Chi2 y Mann-Whitney (p<0,05). Resultados: El 97,8% tuvo gasto de bolsillo principalmente por medicamentos y descartables. El gasto total promedio fue 1,98 millones Gs, el gasto diario promedio 215,4 mil Gs y la razón gasto/ingreso 1,13. En cuidados intensivos el gasto total promedio fue 7,18 millones Gs (el máximo fue 18,41 millones Gs), el gasto diario promedio 666,8 mil Gs (el máximo fue 2,85 millones Gs diarios) y la razón gasto/ingreso 3,83. El gasto fue excesivo en el 87% de los casos y catastrófico en el 52% de los casos. El gasto se asoció significativamente con la edad mayor a 60 años, el haber ingresado a UTI y el diagnóstico de COVID-19, no así con el sexo ni con la tenencia de seguro. Conclusión: Los mecanismos de protección financiera fueron insuficientes para evitar gastos excesivos y catastróficos durante la hospitalización.

Introduction: Faced with COVID-19, hospitals were reorganized in the Paraguayan health system where the predominant financing is out-of-pocket expenses. Objectives: To analyze the out-of-pocket expenditure in the Encarnacion integrated respiratory hospital. Materials and methods: Quantitative, observational, descriptive study between August 2020 and February 2021. It included a non-random sample of 95 cases. A telephone survey was applied to a key informant. The dependent variables were: out-of-pocket expense, expense / income ratio, and expense / hospital days ratio. The independent ones were: sex, elderly, admission to ICU, medical insurance and diagnosis of COVID-19. Excessive spending was defined as greater than 0.1 of income and catastrophic as greater than 0.25 of income. The significant association was determined by Chi2 and Mann-Whitney tests (p <0.05). Results: 97.8% had out-of-pocket expenses mainly for medications and disposables. The average total expense was Gs 1.98 million, the average daily expense was Gs 215.4 thousand and the expense / income ratio was 1.13. In intensive care, the average total expenditure was 7.18 million Gs (the maximum was 18.41 million Gs), the average daily expenditure was 666.8 thousand Gs (the maximum was 2.85 million Gs per day) and the expense / income ratio 3.83. The expense was excessive in 87% of the cases and catastrophic in 52% of the cases. The expense was significantly associated with age over 60 years, having been admitted to the ICU and the diagnosis of COVID-19, not with sex or with insurance. Conclusion: The financial protection mechanisms were insufficient to avoid excessive and catastrophic expenses during hospitalization.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome / Síndrome antifosfolípido catastrófico

ABSTRACT The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the development of thrombotic events and/or obstetric morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), such as the lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) or anti- β 2-glycoprotein I antibodies (a β2 GPI). In 1992, Ronald A. Asherson described a very aggressive clinical variant of this syndrome characterized by the development of multiple thrombotic manifestations, simultaneously or in a short period of time. The term catastrophic APS was proposed and since then it is known by this name.

RESUMEN El síndrome antifosfolípido (SAF) es una enfermedad sistêmica autoinmune, caracterizada por el desarrollo de eventos trombóticos y/o morbilidad obstétrica en presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos (aPL), tales como el anticoagulante lúpico (AL), los anticuerpos anticardiolipina (aCL) o anticuerpos anti- β2-glicoproteína I (aβ2GPI). En 1992, Ronald A. Asherson describió una variante clínica muy agresiva de este síndrome, caracterizada por el desarrollo de múltiples manifestaciones trombóticas, de manera simultánea o dentro de un corto periodo de tiempo. Se propuso entonces el término SAF catastrófico y desde entonces se le ha conocido por ese nombre.

Out-of-pocket and catastrophic expenses in households of patients with schizophrenia lacking social security / Gastos de bolsillo y catastróficos en hogares de pacientes con esquizofrenia sin seguridad social

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the magnitude of out-of-pocket (OOP) and catastrophic health expenses as well as impoverishment experienced by households of schizophrenia patients lacking social security coverage. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 96 individuals treated outpatient consultation between February and December 2018, in a psychiatric hospital. Results: All households sustained OOP health expenses; the median was 510 USD (95%CI: 456-628). The OOP expenses represented 28 and 4% of the capacity to pay of poor and rich households, respectively. The 16% of households incurred catastrophic expenses and 6.6% have impoverishment for health reasons. Conclusions: Our results illustrate that pocket expenses and catastrophic expenses in patients with schizophrenia are higher than those reported for the general population. Therefore, it is necessary to rethink the financial protection policies aimed at patients with schizophrenia and their households.

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar la magnitud del gasto de bolsillo y catastrófico en salud, así como el empobrecimiento experimentado por hogares de pacientes con esquizofrenia que carecen de cobertura en seguridad social. Material y métodos: Se hizo un estudio transversal de 96 pacientes tratados en consulta externa entre febrero y diciembre de 2018, en un hospital psiquiátrico. Resultados: Todos los hogares soportaron gastos de bolsillo (GB), la mediana fue 510 USD (IC95%: 456-628). Los GB representan 28 y 4% de la capacidad de pago de los hogares pobres y ricos respectivamente. El 16% de los hogares incurrió en gastos catastróficos y 6.6% tiene empobrecimiento por motivos de salud. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran que los gastos de bolsillo y gastos catastróficos en pacientes con esquizofrenia son mayores que los reportados para población general, por lo que es necesario repensar las políticas de protección financiera dirigidas a pacientes con esquizofrenia y sus hogares.

Gasto catastrófico na síndrome congênita do vírus Zika: resultados de um estudo transversal com cuidadores de crianças no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Catastrophic expenditure on congenital Zika syndrome: results of a cross-sectional study of caregivers of children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Gasto catastrófico en el síndrome congénito del virus Zika: resultados de un estudio transversal con cuidadores de niños en Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Em 2015, houve um aumento de casos de más-formações congênitas entre recém-nascidos no Brasil associado ao vírus Zika, com repercussões sociais e econômicas para as famílias. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de gasto catastrófico para famílias de crianças com síndrome congênita do vírus Zika (SCZ) grave, leve/moderada em comparação com famílias de crianças sem diagnóstico de SCZ, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. O termo gasto catastrófico ocorre quando o gasto excede determinada proporção da renda da família devido à doença. Os cuidadores de crianças com SCZ grave eram mais jovens, com menor escolaridade e renda. A prevalência de gasto catastrófico foi maior em famílias de crianças com SCZ. Dentre os cuidadores de crianças com SCZ grave, identificou-se que a prevalência de gasto catastrófico foi mais elevada entre aqueles que apresentaram graus de depressão, ansiedade e estresse graves ou muito graves. O baixo apoio social entre os cuidadores também foi determinante para o aumento da prevalência do gasto. A carga que incide sobre os cuidadores de crianças com SCZ grave potencializa uma situação de vulnerabilidade que demanda a amplificação do acesso aos mecanismos de proteção financeira e social, através da articulação de diferentes políticas que sejam capazes de alcançar efetivamente esse grupo.

In 2015, there was an increase in cases of congenital malformations in newborns in Brazil, associated with maternal Zika virus infection, having serious social and economic repercussions for the families. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of catastrophic expenditure by families of children with severe or mild/moderate congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in comparison to families of children without a diagnosis of CZS in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Catastrophic expenditure occurs when spending exceeds a given proportion of the family income due to a disease. Family caregivers of children with severe CZS were younger and had less schooling and lower income. Prevalence of catastrophic expenditure was higher in families of children with CZS. Among caregivers of children with severe CZS, the prevalence of catastrophic expenditure was higher in those with severe or very severe depression, anxiety, and stress. Low social support among caregivers was also a determinant factor for increased prevalence of catastrophic expenditure. The burden on caregivers of children with severe CZS exacerbates a situation of vulnerability that requires the expansion of mechanisms for financial and social protection, through linkage of various policies capable of effectively reaching this group.

En 2015, hubo un aumento de casos de malformaciones congénitas entre recién nacidos en Brasil, asociado al virus zika con repercusiones sociales y económicas para las familias. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de gasto catastrófico para las familias de niños con síndrome congénito del virus Zika (SCZ) grave, leve/moderado, en comparación con familias de niños sin diagnóstico de SCZ, en el estado de Río de Janeiro. El término gasto catastrófico se usa cuando el gasto excede una determinada proporción de la renta de la familia, debido a la enfermedad. Los cuidadores de niños con SCZ grave eran más jóvenes, con menor escolaridad y renta. La prevalencia de gasto catastrófico fue mayor en familias de niños con SCZ. Entre los cuidadores de niños con SCZ grave se identificó que la prevalencia de gasto catastrófico fue más elevada entre aquellos que presentaron grados de depresión, ansiedad y estrés grave o muy grave. El bajo apoyo social entre los cuidadores también fue determinante para el aumento de la prevalencia del gasto. La carga que incide sobre los cuidadores de niños con SCZ grave potencia una situación de vulnerabilidad que demanda la ampliación del acceso a los mecanismos de protección financiera y social, a través de la coordinación de diferentes políticas que sean capaces de alcanzar efectivamente a ese grupo.

Caracterización del estado y soporte nutricional en pacientes pediátricos graves / Characterization of nutritional status and support in critically-ill pediatric patients

RESUMEN Introducción: la alimentación y nutrición asumen una función relevante en la recuperación del paciente enfermo grave. Un estado nutricional no óptimo es la causa más frecuente de la mala evolución de los pacientes hospitalizados y de la calidad de vida. Objetivo: caracterizar el estado y soporte nutricional en los pacientes graves hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Pediátrico "Pepe Portilla" de Pinar del Río, de mayo 2016- mayo 2018. Métodos: se realizó una investigación observacional, descriptiva y transversal en 51 pacientes que requirieron intervención nutricional, en los cuales se utilizaron nutrientes enterales y/o parenterales. La información se obtuvo de la revisión documental. Resultados: la terapia de soporte nutricional prevaleció en pacientes de cero a cuatro años para un 47,1 %, el 62,7 % fueron del sexo masculino. Predominó la nutrición enteral en los ingresados por insuficiencia respiratoria (44 %), sepsis (16 %) y enfermedades oncológicas (13 %). Recibieron soporte nutricional parenteral el 68,4 % de las enfermedades quirúrgicas. Las complicaciones digestivas fueron las más frecuentes (54,8 %) seguida de las metabólicas (13,7 %). Conclusiones: los pacientes desnutridos o en riesgo de estarlo, requirieron soporte nutricional, con predominio de la edad de cero a cuatro años, esto se relacionó a las causas quirúrgicas, enfermedades respiratorias y sepsis. Fueron utilizados nutrientes enterales y parenterales con complicaciones digestivas como vómitos y diarreas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: food and nutrition presuppose a relevant role in the recovery of the critically-ill patient. A non-optimal nutritional status continues to be the most frequent cause of poor evolution of hospitalized patients and quality of life. Objective: to characterize the nutritional status and support in critically-ill patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit at Pepe Portilla Pediatric Hospital of Pinar del Rio, from May 2016- May 2018. Methods: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted in 51 patients who required nutritional intervention, in which enteral and/or parenteral nutrients were used. Information was collected from a documentary review. Results: nutritional support therapy prevailed in patients aged zero to four years, representing 47,1 %; 62,7 % were male. Enteral nutrition predominated in patients admitted for respiratory failure (44 %), sepsis (16 %) and cancer diseases (13 %). Parenteral nutritional support was given to 68,4 % of surgical diseases. Digestive complications were the most frequent (54,8 %) followed by metabolic complications (13,7 %). Conclusions: malnourished patients or at risk of malnutrition required nutritional support, predominantly in patients from zero to four years old, related to surgical causes, respiratory diseases and sepsis. Enteral and parenteral nutrients were used with digestive complications such as vomiting and diarrhea.

O processo de tomada de decisão médica em tempos de pandemia por coronavírus / The medical decision-making process in the time of the coronavirus pandemic

RESUMO A pandemia causada pelo novo coronavírus tem provocado mudanças significativas no processo de tomada de decisão médica diante do paciente grave. Repentinamente, aumentaram as admissões em unidades de tratamento intensivo, porém, muitos desses casos não apresentam quadros relacionados à infecção viral, mas à exacerbação de doenças preexistentes. Nesse contexto, precisamos evitar que o processo decisório intuitivo e a insegurança nos levem a exaurir a disponibilidade de leitos críticos, antes do momento em que eles sejam realmente necessários, mesmo reconhecendo a importância do método decisório rápido em situações emergências. Uma das melhores formas de atingir esse propósito talvez seja por meio da prática da metacognição e da estruturação de formas de feedback regulares aos profissionais envolvidos em processos decisórios inerentemente rápidos.

ABSTRACT The disease pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus has triggered significant changes in the medical decision-making process relating to critically ill patients. Admissions to intensive care units have suddenly increased, but many of these patients do not present with clinical manifestations related to the viral infection but rather exacerbation of preexisting diseases. In this context, we must prevent intuitive decision-making and insecurity from leading us to exhaust the available critical-care beds before they are truly necessary, while still recognizing the importance of rapid decision-making in emergency situations. One of the best ways to achieve this goal may be by practicing metacognition and establishing ways for regular feedback to be provided to professionals engaged in inherently rapid decision-making processes.

Out of pocket expenditure and its associated factors in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care government hospital of Agra District, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Neonatal health remains a thrust area of public health, and an increased out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) may hamper efforts toward universal health coverage. Public spending on health remains low and insurance schemes few, thereby forcing impoverishment upon individuals already close to poverty line. Objective: To determine catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in neonates admitted to the government neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and factors associated with of out-of-pocket expenditure. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a governmental NICU at Agra from May 2017 to April 2018. A sample of 450 neonatal admissions was studied. Respondents were interviewed for required data. OOPE included costs at NICU, intervening health facilities, and transport as well. SPSS version (23.0 Trial) and Epi Info were used for analysis. Results: Of the 450 neonates analyzed, the median total OOPE was Rs. 3000. CHE was found among 55.8% of cases with 22% spending more than their household monthly income. On binary logistic regression, a higher total OOPE of Rs. 3000 or more was found to be significantly associated with higher odds of residing outside Agra (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.829), delay in first cry (AOR = 1.623), referral points ?3 (AOR = 3.449), private sector as first referral (AOR = 2.476), and when treatment was accorded during transport (AOR = 1.972). Conclusions: OOPE on neonates amounts to a substantial figure and is more than the country average. This needs to be addressed sufficiently and comprehensively through government schemes, private enterprises, and public杙rivate partnerships.

Catastrophic health expenditure and multimorbidity among older adults in Brazil / Gastos catastróficos em saúde e multimorbidade entre adultos mais velhos no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relation between catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and multimorbidity in a national representative sample of the Brazilian population aged 50 year or older. METHODS: This study used data from 8,347 participants of the Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI - Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging) conducted in 2015-2016. The dependent variable was CHE, defined by the ratio between the health expenses of the adult aged 50 years or older and the household income. The variable of interest was multimorbidity (two or more chronic diseases) and the variable used for stratification was the wealth score. The main analyses were based on multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of CHE was 17.9% and 7.5%, for expenditures corresponding to 10 and 25% of the household income, respectively. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 63.2%. Multimorbidity showed positive and independent associations with CHE (OR = 1.95, 95%CI 1.67-2.28, and OR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.11-1.76 for expenditures corresponding to 10% and 25%, respectively). Expenditures associated with multimorbidity were higher among those with lower wealth scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results draw attention to the need for an integrated approach of multimorbidity in health services, in order to avoid CHE, particularly among older adults with worse socioeconomic conditions.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Estimar a relação entre gasto catastrófico em saúde (GCS) e multimorbidade em amostra nacional representativa da população brasileira com 50 anos de idade ou mais. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados de 8.347 participantes do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (2015-2016). A variável dependente foi o GCS, definido pela razão entre as despesas com saúde do adulto de 50 anos ou mais e a renda domiciliar. A variável de interesse foi a multimorbidade (duas ou mais doenças crônicas), e a variável utilizada para estratificação foi o escore de riqueza. As principais análises foram baseadas na regressão logística multivariada. RESULTADOS: A prevalçncia de GCS foi de 17,9% e 7,5% para gastos correspondentes a 10% e 25% da renda domiciliar, respectivamente. A prevalçncia da multimorbidade foi de 63,2%. A multimorbidade apresentou associações positivas e independentes com GCS (OR = 1,95, IC95% 1,67-2,28 e OR = 1,40, IC95% 1,11-1,76 para gastos correspondentes a 10% e 25%, respectivamente). Os gastos associados à multimorbidade foram maiores entre aqueles com menor escore de riqueza. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados chamam atenção para a necessidade de uma abordagem integrada da multimorbidade nos serviços de saúde, de forma a evitar os GCS, particularmente entre adultos mais velhos com piores condições socioeconômicas.

Rate of progression of visual field loss in primary open angle glaucoma versus primary angle closure glaucoma patients managed in a Tertiary Hospital

@#OBJECTIVES: To compare the rate of progression of visual field loss in mean defect (MD) decibels (dB)/year in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) versus primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients managed in a tertiary hospital and to assess the impact of baseline age, baseline MD, and intraocular pressure (IOP) on the rate of progression of visual field loss. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of medical records of patients who were seen at the Glaucoma Clinic of a tertiary hospital from August to October 2018. The following data were recorded: diagnosis, number of reliable automated visual fields (AVFs), number of years followed, baseline age, baseline MD, MD of all subsequent AVFs, IOP at the time of each test, and IOP-lowering interventions. Rate of visual field progression expressed in dB/year was calculated using linear regression analysis. T–test was done to compare the baseline data and rates of progression of visual field loss between the POAG and PACG cohorts. Correlation using Pearson’s r and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of baseline age, baseline MD, and IOP on rate of progression of visual field loss. RESULTS: The mean rates of progression of visual field loss in POAG and PACG eyes were 0.12 ± 0.68 dB/year and 0.10 ± 0.59 dB/year, respectively (p=0.8525). Despite treatment, 4.35% of the study eyes were identified as fast progressors while 1.09% were catastrophic progressors. In the POAG group (n=33), laser treatment was negatively correlated with rate of progression of visual field loss (r= -0.5072, p=0.0026). Multivariate analysis showed that baseline MD (p=0.017), mean IOP on follow–up (p=0.020), and laser treatment (p=0.004) were significant factorsaffecting the rate of progression of visual field loss in POAG eyes. In the PACG group (n=59), both baseline MD (r= -0.2798, p=0.0318) and mean IOP on follow–up (r= 0.368, p=0.0041) correlated with rate of progression of visual field loss. Only mean IOP on follow–up was found to be significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: While most glaucoma patients managed in a tertiary hospital have a slow rate of progression of visual field loss, a few were still identified as fast and catastrophic progressors. Factors associated with rate of progression of visual field loss were baseline MD, mean IOP on follow–up, and laser treatment for POAG, and mean IOP on follow–up for PACG.

Study on the Health Economic Burden of Hypertension Patients and Its Influential Factors in 7 County-level Public Hospitals from 6 Provinces of China / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To e xplore the health economic burden of hypertension patients at county-level areas and its influential factors in China. METHODS ：A questionnaire survey was conducted on hypertension patients in 7 county-level public hospitals from 6 provinces as Hebei ，Shandong，Shanxi provinces by using a convenient sampling method. Catastrophic health expenditure was defined by the standard of “medical and health expenditure exceeding 10％ of household income ”. The incidence ， average gap and relative gap of catastrophic health expenditure were analyzed. A multi-factor Logistic regression model analysis was used to analyze the influential factors that lead to catastrophi c health expenditure. RESULTS ：A total of 1 378 questionnaires were sent out ，and 925 valid questionnaires were collected with effective rate of 67.13％ . The incidence of catastrophic health expenditure，average gap and relative gap among hypertension patients were 23.03％，19.37％ and 84.12％，respectively. At different income levels ，the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure，average gap and relative gap were 72.67％ ， 96.79％ and 133.18％ in the poorest household group ，and were 1.94％ ，0.47％ and 24.23％ in the richest household group. Among different types of medical insurance ，the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure in patients covered by “New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme （NRCMS）”the highest （31.30％）. The household income ，complications and the type of health insurance had significant impacts on the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure in hypertension patients （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS：The incidence of catastrophic health expenditure in hypertension patients with different income levels is different. As the income level raised ，the incidence of catastrophic health expenditures continued to decrease. But the protection of household health expenditure by NRCMS is weak. It is suggested that a certain policy preference should be given to families with low income and patients with chronic diseases ，so as to ensure the rights and interests of patients with hypertension .

Progress on economic burden of patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis / 公共卫生与预防医学

Compared with ordinary tuberculosis, multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is more difficult to treat, with longer time of regime, lower cure rate and higher cost of treatment. It is estimated that the cost of multidrug resistant tuberculosis is about 100-200 times that of ordinary tuberculosis, resulting in the catastrophic health expenditure of some patients and their families, which seriously affects the patients’ compliance with treatment, and makes effective prevention and control of tuberculosis face huge resistance. So far, only a limited number of studies have analyzed the economic burden of the disease and its impact on patients, families and societies from different perspectives. Therefore, this article systematically reviews the economic burden of MDR-TB patients, and reveals the current economic burden of MDR-TB tuberculosis and related research progress, to provide a reference for optimizing or improving relevant medical insurance policies to control the tuberculosis and also for future studies.

Morbidity pattern of Kerala flood victims of 2018 in the post flood recovery phase

Background: In the year 2018, Kerala experienced natural disastrous due to heavy rainfall and floods due to breakdown of dams. More than five lakhs people were affected and disruption in transportation, communication and damaged health care facilities. Objective of this study was to access the morbidity pattern of flood victims in the post flood recovery phase.Methods: The study was carried out by the investigators along with medical team conducted free camps in seven different locations in the districts of Wayand and Kozhikode in the month of October 2018. Data were obtained in the format designed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, India.Results: A total of 3123 patients were attended the flood relief camp. The most of the camp people were come up with complaints of myalgia 24.8%, acute respiratory infections 14.6%, skin infections 8.3% and 7.7% had fever.Conclusions: To create awareness to the community about the natural disaster and appropriate action to prevent it through information, education and communication by regular period of intervals. And to provide basic amendments to improve the health care infra structure

A study on out of pocket expenditure among the urology patients covered under health schemes in a teaching hospital

Background: Health is one of the most important components of an effective poverty reduction strategy. However, use of health services is sometimes associated with out-of-pocket (OOP) payments. Urology disorders are often chronic and affect individuals not by shortening survival, but by impairing quality of life hence posing a substantial economic impact for patients. A well-planned health finance systems protects population against the financial risks of ill-health. This study addressed concerns over high levels of out-of-pocket payments even by those who have insurance coverage.Methods: Descriptive study was conducted among 160 patients admitted in Urology Department who are covered under various health schemes for the duration of 6 months.Results: Of the 160 study participants studied, 129 (80.62%) were males, 37 (23.13%), 64 (40%) were illiterates and most of the families 127 (79.38%) were from rural area. Various health schemes availed were, 120 (75%) Arogya Karnataka, 8 (11.25%) RBSY Kerala and 6 (3.75%) Sampoorna Suraksha. Expenses other than medical included home care assistance, adaptations to home and cost of parallel treatment. The main source for out of pocket expenditure was borrowing money from relatives or friends 70 (43.8%), self-finance 46 (28.7%) and selling valuables 28 (17.5%). Prevalence of catastrophic health expenditure in our study was 8.75%.Conclusions: The government should increase the public health spending to reduce the out of pocket expenditure by the families and the public must be educated about the availability of insurance scheme and their efficient/optimum utilization.