Surgical Treatment of Carotid-cavernous Fistula Performed through the Brazilian Unified Health System

Introduction The carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal communication between the arterial carotid system and the cavernous sinus. In most cases, spontaneous fistulas are due to the rupture of intracavernous carotid artery aneurisms. Traumatic fistulas occur in 0.2% of head injuries, and 75% of all CCFs are caused by automobile accidents or penetrating traumas. Objective To identify the data regarding the number of annual procedures, hospital expenses, length of hospital stay, and the number of deaths of patients admitted by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, in the Portuguese acronym), in the period between 2007 and 2017, using the surgical code of the surgical treatment for CCF. Methods The present was an ecological study whose data were obtained by consulting the database provided by the Department of Computer Sciences of the Brazilian Unified Health System (Datasus, in Portuguese). Results A total of 85 surgical procedures were performed for the treatment of CCFs from January 2007 to October 2017 through the Unified Health System (SUS, in Portuguese), and there was a reduction of 71.42% in this period. The annual incidence of patients undergoing this surgical treatment during the period observed remained low, with 1 case per 13,135,714 in 2007, and 1 case per 51,925,000 in 2017. Conclusion Despite the low annual incidence of the surgical treatment of CCFs performed by the SUS in Brazil in the period of 2007­2017, based on the data obtained on the average length of stay and expenditures in hospital services, it is necessary that we develop an adequate health planning.

Hospitalization costs and their determining factors among patients undergoing kidney transplantation: a cross-sectional descriptive study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cost evaluation is a key tool in monitoring expenditure for budget management. It increases the efficiency of possible changes through identifying potential savings and estimating the resources required to make such changes. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the total cost of hospitalization up to the clinical outcome, regarding patients admitted for kidney transplantation. Likewise, there is a lack of data on the factors that influence the amounts spent by hospital institutions and healthcare systems. OBJECTIVES: To describe the costs and determining factors relating to hospitalization of patients undergoing kidney transplantation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional descriptive study with a quantitative approach based on secondary data from 81 patients who were admitted for kidney transplantation at a leading transplantation center in southern Brazil. METHODS: The direct costs of healthcare for patients who underwent kidney transplantation were the dependent variable, and included personnel, expenses, third-party services, materials and medicines. The factors that interfered in the cost of the procedure were indirect variables. The items that made up these variables were gathered from the records of the internal transplantation committee and from the electronic medical records. The billing sector provided information on the direct costs per patient. RESULTS: The estimated total cost of patients' hospitalization was R$ 1,257,639.11 (US$ 571,010.44). Out of this amount, R$ 1,237,338.31 (US$ 561,793.20) was paid by the Brazilian National Health System and R$ 20,300.80 (US$ 9,217.24) by the transplantation center's own resources. The highest costs related to the length of hospital stay and clinical complications such as sepsis and pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: The costs of hospitalization for kidney transplantation relate to the length of hospital stay and clinical complications.

The cost of stroke in private hospitals in Brazil: a one-year prospective study / O custo do AVC em hospitais privados no Brasil: um estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Few studies from low- and middle-income countries have assessed stroke and cerebral reperfusion costs from the private sector. Objective To measure the in-hospital costs of ischemic stroke (IS), with and without cerebral reperfusion, primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PIH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in two private hospitals in Joinville, Brazil. Methods Prospective disease-cost study. All medical and nonmedical costs for patients admitted with any stroke type or TIA were consecutively determined in 2016-17. All costs were adjusted to the gross domestic product deflator index and purchasing power parity. Results We included 173 patients. The median cost per patient was US$3,827 (IQR: 2,800-8,664) for the 131 IS patients; US$2,315 (IQR: 1,692-2,959) for the 27 TIA patients; US$16,442 (IQR: 5,108-33,355) for the 11 PIH patients and US$28,928 (IQR: 12,424-48,037) for the four SAH patients (p < 0.00001). For the six IS patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis, the median cost per patient was US$11,463 (IQR: 8,931-14,291), and for the four IS patients who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy, the median cost per patient was US$35,092 (IQR: 31,833-37,626; p < 0.0001). A direct correlation was found between cost and length of stay (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). Conclusions Stroke is a costly disease. In the private sector, the costs of cerebral reperfusion for IS treatment were three-to-ten times higher than for usual treatments. Therefore, cost-effectiveness studies are urgently needed in low- and middle-income countries.

RESUMO Poucos estudos determinam o custo do AVC em países de baixa e média renda nos setores privados. Objetivos Mensurar o custo hospitalar do tratamento do(a): AVC isquêmico com e sem reperfusão cerebral, hemorragia intracerebral primária (HIP), hemorragia subaracnóidea e ataque isquêmico transitório (AIT) em hospitais privados de Joinville, Brasil. Métodos Estudo prospectivo de custo de doença. Os custos médicos e não médicos dos pacientes admitidos com qualquer tipo de AVC ou AIT foram consecutivamente verificados em 2016-17. Os valores foram ajustados ao índice do deflator do produto interno bruto e à paridade do poder de compra. Resultados Nós incluímos 173 pacientes. A mediana de custo por paciente foi de US$ 3.827 (IQR: 2.800-8.664) para os 131 pacientes com AVC isquêmico; US$ 2.315 (1.692-2.959) para os 27 pacientes com AIT; US$ 16.442 (5.108-33.355) para os 11 pacientes com HIP e US$ 28.928 (12.424-48.037) para os quatro pacientes com HSA (p < 0,00001). Para seis pacientes submetidos à trombólise intravenosa, a mediana do custo por paciente foi de US$ 11.463 (8.931-14.291) e, para quatro pacientes submetidos à trombectomia intra-arterial, a mediana de custo por paciente foi de US$ 35.092 (31.833-37.626; p < 0,0001). Uma correlação direta foi encontrada entre custo e tempo de permanência (r = 0,67, p < 0,001). Conclusão O AVC é uma doença cara. Em ambiente privado, os custos da reperfusão cerebral foram de três a dez vezes superiores aos tratamentos habituais do AVC isquêmico. Portanto, estudos de custo-efetividade são urgentemente necessários em países de baixa e média rendas.

The cost of stroke in a public hospital in Brazil: a one-year prospective study / Custo do AVC em um hospital público no Brasil: um estudo prospectivo de um ano

ABSTRACT Low- and middle-income countries face tight health care budgets, not only new resources, but also costly therapeutic resources for treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). However, few prospective data about stroke costs including cerebral reperfusion from low- and middle-income countries are available. Objective To measure the costs of stroke care in a public hospital in Joinville, Brazil. Methods We prospectively assessed all medical and nonmedical costs of inpatients admitted with a diagnosis of any stroke or transient ischemic attack over one year, analyzed costs per type of stroke and treatment, length of stay (LOS) and compared hospital costs with government reimbursement. Results We evaluated 274 patients. The total cost for the year was US$1,307,114; the government reimbursed the hospital US$1,095,118. We found a significant linear correlation between LOS and costs (r = 0.71). The median cost of 134 IS inpatients who did not undergo cerebral reperfusion (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] median = 3 ) was US$2,803; for IS patients who underwent intravenous (IV) alteplase (NIHSS 10), the median was US$5,099, and for IS patients who underwent IV plus an intra-arterial (IA) thrombectomy (NIHSS > 10), the median cost was US$10,997. The median costs of a primary intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack were US$2,436, US$8,031 and US$2,677, respectively. Conclusions Reperfusion treatments were two-to-four times more expensive than conservative treatment. A cost-effectiveness study of the IS treatment option is necessary.

RESUMO Os países de baixa e media renda enfrentam orçamentos apertados na saúde, não somente devido aos novos recursos terapêuticos, mas relacionado ao custo oneroso do tratamento do acidente vascular cerebral. No entanto, poucos dados prospectivos sobre os custos do AVC, incluindo reperfusão cerebral de países de baixa e média renda estão disponíveis. Objetivo Mensurar os custos do atendimento ao AVC em um hospital público. Métodos Avaliamos prospectivamente todos os custos médicos e não médicos de pacientes internados com diagnóstico de acidente vascular cerebral ou AIT durante 1 ano, analisamos os custos por tipo de AVC e tratamento, tempo de permanência e comparamos os custos hospitalares com o reembolso governamental. Resultados Foram avaliados 274 pacientes. O custo total em um ano foi de US$ 1.307,114; o governo reembolsou o hospital no valor de US$ 1.095.118. Encontramos uma correlação linear significativa entre LOS e custos (r = 0,71). A mediana do custo do AVCI em 134 pacientes que não sofreram reperfusão cerebral (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] mediana = 3) foi de US$ 2.803; para pacientes submetidos a alteplase intravenosa (IV) (NIHSS 10), a mediana foi de US$ 5.099 e para os pacientes submetidos a trombectomia intra-arterial (IA) (NIHSS > 10), o custo mediano foi de US$ 10.997. A mediana do custo de uma hemorragia intracerebral primária, hemorragia subaracnóidea e AIT foram de US$ 2.436, US$ 8.031 e US$ 2.677, respectivamente. Conclusões Os tratamentos de reperfusão foram duas a quatro vezes mais caros do que o tratamento conservador. Estudo de custo-efetividade para o tratamento do AVC são necessários.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation: evaluation of its economic impact on the costs of cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to calculate the direct costs of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in a high-complexity cardiovascular hospital. Methods: We performed a cost analysis with a pairwise-matched design. Twenty-two patients with POAF and 22 patients without this complication were included. Pair-matching was performed (1:1) based on the following criteria: identical type of surgery, similar EuroSCORE II values, and absence of any other postoperative complication. Results: The total hospital cost was significantly higher in the POAF group than in the non-POAF group (US$ 10,880 [± 2,688] vs. US$ 8,856 [± 1,782], respectively, for each patient; P=0.005). This difference was attributable to postoperative costs (US$ 3,103 [± 1,552] vs. US$ 1,238 [± 429]; P=0.0001) for patients with or without POAF, respectively. The median postoperative lengths of stay were 9 (range 5-17) and 5 (3-9) days for patients with and without POAF (P=0.032), respectively. Preoperatively, no differences were found in the EuroSCORE II values (median 1.7 vs. 1.6, respectively; P=0.91) or direct costs (US$ 1,127 vs. US$ 1,063, respectively; P=0.56) between POAF and non-POAF groups. Conclusion: POAF generates a high economic burden in the overall costs of cardiac surgery, and our results reveal the differential contribution of each of the evaluated factors. This information, which was previously unavailable in this setting, is essential for the development of more effective prevention strategies.

Relationship between availability of physiotherapy services and ICU costs / Relação entre a disponibilidade de serviços de fisioterapia e custos de UTI

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether 24-h availability of physiotherapy services decreases ICU costs in comparison with the standard 12 h/day availability among patients admitted to the ICU for the first time. Methods: This was an observational prevalence study involving 815 patients ≥ 18 years of age who had been on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) for ≥ 24 h and were discharged from an ICU to a ward at a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil. The patients were divided into two groups according to h/day availability of physiotherapy services in the ICU: 24 h (PT-24; n = 332); and 12 h (PT-12; n = 483). The data collected included the reasons for hospital and ICU admissions; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score; IMV duration, ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS); and Omega score. Results: The severity of illness was similar in both groups. Round-the-clock availability of physiotherapy services was associated with shorter IMV durations and ICU-LOS, as well as with lower total, medical, and staff costs, in comparison with the standard 12 h/day availability. Conclusions: In the population studied, total costs and staff costs were lower in the PT-24 group than in the PT-12 group. The h/day availability of physiotherapy services was found to be a significant predictor of ICU costs.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar se a disponibilidade de serviços de fisioterapia 24 h/dia reduz os custos de UTI comparada à disponibilidade padrão de 12 h/dia entre pacientes admitidos pela primeira vez na UTI. Métodos: Estudo de prevalência observacional, envolvendo 815 pacientes ≥ 18 anos de idade que estavam em ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI) por ≥ 24 h e que tiveram alta de uma UTI para uma enfermaria em um hospital universitário terciário no Brasil. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com a disponibilidade de serviços de fisioterapia na UTI em h/dia: 24 h (PT-24; n = 332); e 12 h (PT-12; n = 483). Os dados coletados incluíram os motivos das internações hospitalares e das admissões na UTI; a pontuação Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II); a duração da VMI; o tempo de permanência na UTI (TP-UTI); e o escore Ômega. Resultados: A gravidade da doença foi similar em ambos os grupos. A disponibilidade ininterrupta de serviços de fisioterapia foi associada a tempos menores de VMI e TP-UTI, bem como a menores custos (totais, médicos e com pessoal), comparada à disponibilidade padrão de 12 h/dia. Conclusões: Na população estudada, os custos totais e os custos com pessoal foram menores no grupo PT-24 do que no grupo PT-12. A disponibilidade em h/dia dos serviços de fisioterapia mostrou ser um preditor significativo dos custos de UTI.

Evolution of incidence, mortality and cost of nontraumatic abdominal emergencies treated in Brasil in a period of nine years

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, mortality and cost of non-traumatic abdominal emergencies treated in Brazilian emergency departments. METHODS: This paper used DataSus information from 2008 to 2016 (http://www.tabnet.datasus.gov.br). The number of hospitalizations, costs - AIH length of stay and mortality rates were described in acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, acute diverticulitis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, and inflammatory intestinal disease. RESULTS: The disease that had the highest growth in hospitalization was diverticular bowel disease with an increase of 68.2%. For the period of nine years, there were no significant changes in the average length of hospital stay, with the highest increase in gastric and duodenal ulcer with a growth of 15.9%. The mortality rate of gastric and duodenal ulcer disease increased by 95.63%, which is significantly high when compared to the other diseases. All had their costs increased but the one that proportionally had the highest increase in the last nine years was the duodenal and gastric ulcer, with an increase of 85.4%. CONCLUSION: Non-traumatic abdominal emergencies are extremely prevalent. Hence, the importance of having updated and comparative data on the mortality rate, number of hospitalization and cost generated by these diseases to provide better healthcare services in public hospitals.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução da Incidência, mortalidade e custo das urgências abdominais não traumáticas atendidas nos serviços de emergência do Brasil durante o período de nove anos. MÉTODOS: Este trabalho utilizou informações do DataSus de 2008 a 2016, (http://www.tabnet.datasus.gov.br). Foram analisados número de internações, valor médio das internações (AIH), valor total das internações, dias de permanência hospitalar e taxa de mortalidade das seguintes doenças: apendicite aguda, colecistite aguda, pancreatite aguda, diverticulite aguda, úlcera gástrica e duodenal, e doença inflamatória intestinal. RESULTADOS: A doença que teve o maior crescimento do número de internações foi a doença diverticular do intestino, com o valor de 68,2%. Ao longo dos nove anos não houve grandes variações da média de permanência hospitalar, sendo que o maior aumento foi o da úlcera gástrica e duodenal, com crescimento de 15,9%. A taxa de mortalidade da doença por úlcera gástrica e duodenal teve um aumento de 95,63%, consideravelmente significante quando comparada com as outras doenças. Todas tiveram seus valores de AIH aumentados, porém, a que proporcionalmente teve o maior aumento nos últimos nove anos foi a úlcera gástrica e duodenal, com um acréscimo de 85,4%. CONCLUSÃO: As urgências abdominais de origem não traumática são de extrema prevalência, por isso a importância em ter dados atualizados e comparativos sobre a taxa de mortalidade, o número de internações e os custos gerados por essas doenças, para melhor planejamento dos serviços públicos de saúde.

Factors associated with hospital admissions due to hypertension / Fatores associados às internações por hipertensão arterial

ABSTRACT Objective: To study the temporality of hospital admissions due to arterial hypertension and its associated factors. Methods: An ecological study with secondary data on hospital admissions due to essential arterial hypertension - ICD 10, from the Hospital Information System, the Mortality Information System and and the Primary Care Information System, between 2010 and 2015. Descriptive analysis using means, proportions and linear regression. Results: We recorded 493,299 hospitalizations due to arterial hypertension from 2010 to 2015, with an average annual progressive cost decrease of −7.76% and −24.21%. Of the patients admitted, 59.2% were women, 60.2% were non-white and 54.7% were older than 60 years. The mean length of stay was 4.2 days, and the hospitalization cost was R$307.60. The multiple linear regression variables that remained significant were the percentage of admissions due to primary care-sensitive conditions, the per capita income and the City Human Development Index. Conclusion: Hospital admissions due to arterial hypertension have an impact on the percentage of admissions due to primary care- sensitive conditions. Intensifying primary care activities, raising-awareness among professionals to the importance of integrated care, and investing in social development are crucial to change the reality of hypertension in terms of its control and complications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar a temporalidade das internações por hipertensão arterial e seus fatores associados. Métodos: Estudo ecológico com dados secundários referentes às internações hospitalares por hipertensão arterial essencial - CID 10, do Sistema de Informação Hospitalares, do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade e do Sistema de Informação da Atenção Básica, no período de 2010 a 2015. Análise descritiva com média, proporção e regressão linear. Resultados: Foram registradas 493.299 internações por hipertensão arterial sistêmica de 2010 a 2015, com queda progressiva anual média de −7,76% e de −24,21% nos custos. Dentre as internações, 59,2% ocorreram em mulheres, 60,2% na raça não branca e 54,7% em maiores de 60 anos. A média de permanência foi de 4,2 dias e a do custo por internação, de R$307,60. As variáveis significativas da regressão linear múltipla foram o percentual de internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária, a renda per capita e o Indice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal. Conclusão: As internações por hipertensão arterial sistémica impactam nos percentuais de internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária. Intensificar as ações da Atenção Primária, sensibilizar profissionais para um cuidado integral e investir no desenvolvimento social são imprescindíveis para transformar a realidade da hipertensão no tocante ao seu controle e a suas complicações.

A utilização da microcorrente em úlceras por pressão / El uso de micro corriente en las úlceras por presión / Use of microcurrent in pressure ulcers

Objetivo: conhecer a eficácia do uso da microcorrente nas úlceras por pressão, sinalizando os benefícios deste tratamento para o cliente. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de atualização de caráter exploratório baseado em leitura corrente e periódicos científicos publicados no Scientific Eletronic Library Online (Scielo), Biblioteca Digital da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) e Revista Eletrônica Quadrimestral de Enfermaria. Resultados: Verificou-se que o uso da microcorrente é um recurso terapêutico que constitui um equipamento de grande benefício quanto ao tratamento das úlceras por pressão, vez que o processo de cura é agilizado e os custos financeiros para o setor hospitalar são minimizados, otimizando o processo de enfermagem. Conclusão: Nesta abordagem teremos melhores respostas para os cuidados de enfermagem, otimizando o tempo da assistência e da hospitalização do paciente em sua condição enfermo motivada pelas escaras.

Objective: to know the effectiveness of the use of microcurrent in pressure ulcers, indicating the benefits of this treatment to the client. Method: This is an exploratory study based on updated scientific current and periodic reading published in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), Digital Library of the USP and Electronic Journal quarterly Ward. Results: It was found that the use of microcurrent is a therapeutic resource that is a major benefit to the treatment of pressure ulcers, since the curing process is streamlined and the financial costs for the hospital sector are minimized optimizing the nursing process. Conclusion: In this approach we will have better answers for nursing care optimizing the time of care and patient hospitalization in his ailing condition driven by scabs.

Objetivo: conocer la eficacia de la utilización de micro corriente en las úlceras por presión, indicando los beneficios de este tratamiento para el cliente. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio exploratorio basado en actualización lectura actual y periódica científica publicada en El Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), la Biblioteca Digital de la USP y Diario electrónico trimestral Ward. Resultados: Se encontro que el uso de micro corriente es un recurso terapéutico que es un beneficio importante del producto y el tratamiento de las úlceras por presión, ya que el proceso de curado es aerodinámico y los costos financieros para el sector hospitalario se minimizan optimización el proceso de enfermería. Conclusión: En este enfoque vamos a tenermejores respuestas para la atención de enfermería optimizando el tiempo de atención y hospitalización del paciente en su condición de enfermo impulsado por costras.

Costo de las neumonías asociadas a la ventilación mecánica en pacientes adultos en un hospital general en Chile / Cost evaluation of ventilator-associated pneumonia in adult patients in a general hospital in Chile

Resumen Introducción: La neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica (NAVM) es un evento adverso que aumenta la morbi-mortalidad y costos. Genera días adicionales de hospitalización y de procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos para su tratamiento. No existen datos actualizados nacionales respecto al exceso de costos por NAVM. Objetivo: Dimensionar el costo de las NAVM en un hospital general de la Región Metropolitana. Pacientes y Métodos: Aplicación del protocolo caso-control de costos de infecciones intrahospitalarias de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) y cálculo directo de gasto en exceso por evento de NAVM. Se comparó el exceso de días de hospitalización, de antimicrobianos en dosis diaria definida (DDD) y de cultivos. Resultados: Se recolectaron 18 casos de NAVM entre los años 2012 y 2015 en pacientes adultos. Se seleccionaron 18 controles pareados por edad y género. Se observó una mayor estadía promedio de 6,1 días en los casos (p < 0,05), una mayor prescripción de antimicrobianos (diferencia promedio de 11,7 DDD, sin significancia estadística) y un exceso de solicitud de cultivos con una diferencia promedio de 3,2 (p < 0,05). El costo unitario por NAVM fue de 4.475 USD. Conclusiones: Los eventos de NAVM generan una mayor estadía hospitalaria, consumo de recursos diagnósticos y terapéuticos.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an adverse event that increases morbidity, mortality and costs due to a prolonged stay and requirement of microbiological studies and antimicrobial therapy. There is not recent data of VAP costs in Chile. Aim: To evaluate additional costs in adult patients with VAP compared to controls in a general hospital in the Metropolitan Area. Patients and Methods: Use of the PAHO paired casecontrol protocol for cost evaluation associated to nosocomial infections and estimation of cost in excess per VAP event. Length of stay (LOS) in excess, antimicrobial consumption in daily-defined doses (DDD), and number of microbiological studies were compared between both groups. Results: From 2012 to 2015, 18 patients with VAP events were identified with their respective controls. LOS exceeded 6.1 days on average among patients with VAP respect to controls (p < 0.05). DDD was higher among patients with VAP (difference 11.7 DDD) as well as number of cultures (3.2 higher on average, p < 0.05). Cost in excess per VAP event reached 4,475 USD. Conclusions: In our Centre, VAP events are associated to a higher LOS, antimicrobial consumption and microbiological studies.

Caring for critically ill patients outside intensive care units due to full units: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to analyze the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of critically ill patients who were denied intensive care unit admission due to the unavailability of beds and to estimate the direct costs of treatment. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed with critically ill patients treated in a university hospital. All consecutive patients denied intensive care unit beds due to a full unit from February 2012 to February 2013 were included. The data collected included clinical data, calculation of costs, prognostic scores, and outcomes. The patients were followed for data collection until intensive care unit admission or cancellation of the request for the intensive care unit bed. Vital status at hospital discharge was noted, and patients were classified as survivors or non-survivors considering this endpoint. RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty-four patients were analyzed. Patients were predominantly male (54.6%), and the median age was 62 (interquartile range (ITQ): 47 - 73) years. The median APACHE II score was 22.5 (ITQ: 16 - 29). Invasive mechanical ventilation was used in 298 patients (65.6%), and vasoactive drugs were used in 44.9% of patients. The median time of follow-up was 3 days (ITQ: 2 - 6); after this time, 204 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and 250 had the intensive care unit bed request canceled. The median total cost per patient was US$ 5,945.98. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presented a high severity in terms of disease scores, had multiple organ dysfunction and needed multiple invasive therapeutic interventions. The study patients received intensive care with specialized consultation during their stay in the hospital wards and presented high costs of treatment.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery cost coverage by the brazilian unified health system (SUS)

Abstract Introduction: Cost management has been identified as an essential tool for the general control and evaluation of health organizations. Objectives: To identify the coverage percentage of transferred funds from the Unified Health System for coronary artery bypass grafts in a philanthropic hospital having a consolidated costing system in the municipality of São Paulo. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional research with information provided from a database composed of 1913 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft from March 13 to September 30, 2012, including isolated elective coronary artery bypass graft with the use of extracorporeal circulation. It excluded 551 (28.8%) patients, among them 76 (4.0%) deaths and 8 hospitalized patients, since the cost was compared according to the length of hospital stay. Therefore, the sample consisted of 1362 patients. Results: The average total cost per patient was $7,992.55. The average fund transfer by the Unified Health System was $3,450.73 (48.66%), resulting in a deficit of $4,541.82 (51.34%). Conclusion: The Unified Health System transfers covered 48.66% of the average total cost of hospitalization. Although the amount transferred increased with increasing costs, it was not proportional to the total cost, resulting in a percentage difference in revenue that was increasingly negative for each increase in cost and hospital stay. Those hospitalized for longer than seven days presented higher costs, older age, higher percentage of diabetics and chronic kidney disease patients and more postoperative complications.

Hospitalization costs of severe bacterial pneumonia in children: comparative analysis considering different costing methods / Custos hospitalares de pneumonia bacteriana grave em crianças: análise comparativa por diferentes métodos de custeio

ABSTRACT Objective To determine and compare hospitalization costs of bacterial community-acquired pneumonia cases via different costing methods under the Brazilian Public Unified Health System perspective. Methods Cost-of-illness study based on primary data collected from a sample of 59 children aged between 28 days and 35 months and hospitalized due to bacterial pneumonia. Direct medical and non-medical costs were considered and three costing methods employed: micro-costing based on medical record review, micro-costing based on therapeutic guidelines and gross-costing based on the Brazilian Public Unified Health System reimbursement rates. Costs estimates obtained via different methods were compared using the Friedman test. Results Cost estimates of inpatient cases of severe pneumonia amounted to R$ 780,70/$Int. 858.7 (medical record review), R$ 641,90/$Int. 706.90 (therapeutic guidelines) and R$ 594,80/$Int. 654.28 (Brazilian Public Unified Health System reimbursement rates). Costs estimated via micro-costing (medical record review or therapeutic guidelines) did not differ significantly (p=0.405), while estimates based on reimbursement rates were significantly lower compared to estimates based on therapeutic guidelines (p<0.001) or record review (p=0.006). Conclusion Brazilian Public Unified Health System costs estimated via different costing methods differ significantly, with gross-costing yielding lower cost estimates. Given costs estimated by different micro-costing methods are similar and costing methods based on therapeutic guidelines are easier to apply and less expensive, this method may be a valuable alternative for estimation of hospitalization costs of bacterial community-acquired pneumonia in children.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar e comparar custos hospitalares no tratamento da pneumonia bacteriana adquirida na comunidade por diferentes metodologias de custeio, na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos Estudo de custo, com coleta de dados primários de uma amostra de 59 crianças com 28 dias a 35 meses de idade hospitalizadas por pneumonia bacteriana. Foram considerados custos diretos médicos e não médicos. Três metodologias de custeio foram utilizadas: microcusteio por revisão de prontuários, microcusteio considerando diretriz terapêutica e macrocusteio por ressarcimento do Sistema Único de Saúde. Os custos estimados pelas diferentes metodologias foram comparados utilizando o teste de Friedman. Resultados Os custos hospitalares de crianças com pneumonia grave foram R$ 780,70 ($Int. 858.7) por revisão de prontuários, R$ 641,90 ($Int. 706.90) por diretriz terapêutica e R$ 594,80 ($Int. 654.28) por ressarcimento do Sistema Único de Saúde, respectivamente. A utilização de metodologias de microcusteio (revisão de prontuários e diretriz) resultou em estimativas de custos equivalentes (p=0,405), enquanto o custo estimado por ressarcimento foi significativamente menor do que aqueles estimados por diretriz (p<0,001) e por revisão de prontuário (p=0,006), sendo, assim, significativamente diferentes. Conclusão Na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde, existe diferença significativa nos custos estimados quando se utilizam diferentes metodologias, sendo a estimativa por ressarcimento a que resulta em valores menores. Considerando que não há diferença nos valores de custos estimados por diferentes metodologias de microcusteio, a metodologia de custeio por diretriz, de mais fácil e rápida execução, é uma alternativa válida para estimativa de custos de hospitalização por pneumonias bacterianas em crianças.

Frecuencia de reingresos hospitalarios y factores asociados en afiliados a una administradora de servicios de salud en Colombia / Hospital readmission rate and associated factors among health services enrollees in Colombia / Frequência de readmissões e fatores associados em filiados a serviços de saúde na Colômbia

Resumen: Los reingresos hospitalarios son frecuentes y costosos, en Colombia existe poca información. El objetivo fue establecer la frecuencia de reingresos hospitalarios por cualquier causa a 30 días y factores asociados. Se trata de un estudio analítico con cohorte retrospectiva 64.969 hospitalizaciones entre enero de 2008 y enero de 2009 en 47 ciudades colombianas 6.573 reingresos hospitalarios, prevalencia: 10,1% (hombres 10,9%; mujeres 9,5%), 44,7% en > 65 años. Mortalidad mayor en reingresos hospitalarios (5,8% vs. 1,8%). Mayor carga de reingresos hospitalarios en grupo sistema circulatorio. Mayor probabilidad de reingresos hospitalarios en enfermedades hematológicas y neoplasias. Estancia hospitalaria promedio durante el primer ingreso: 7 días en pacientes que reingresaron y 4,5 en quienes no. Costo total mayor para reingresos hospitalarios (USD 21.998.275): 15,8% del costo total de hospitalizaciones. Mayor prevalencia en pacientes remitidos (18,8%) y de consulta externa (13,7%). Los reingresos hospitalarios son frecuentes, se asocian con mayor estancia, mortalidad y costo. Mayor riesgo de reingresos hospitalarios en sexo masculino, > 65 años, pacientes remitidos de otra institución, enfermedades hematológicas y neoplasias.

Abstract: Hospital readmissions are common and expensive, and there is little information on the problem in Colombia. The objective was to determine the frequency of 30-day all-cause hospital readmissions and associated factors. This was a retrospective analytical cohort study of 64,969 hospitalizations from January 2008 to January 2009 in 47 Colombian cities. 6,573 hospital readmissions, prevalence: 10.1% (men 10.9%, women 9.5%), 44.7% > 65 years of age. Hospital readmissions was associated with higher mortality (5.8% vs. 1.8%). There was an increase in the Hospital readmissions rate in patients with diseases of the circulatory system. Hospital readmissions was more likely in hematological diseases and neoplasms. Mean length of stay during the first readmission was 7 days in patients that were readmitted and 4.5 in those without readmission. Greater total cost of hospital readmissions (USA 21,998,275): 15.8% of the total cost of hospitalizations. Higher prevalence rates in referred patients (18.8%) and patients from the outpatient clinic (13.7%). Hospital readmissions is common and is associated with longer length of hospital stay and higher mortality and cost. Increased risk of hospital readmissions in men > 65 years, patients referred from other institutions, and in hematological diseases and neoplasms.

Resumo: Readmissões hospitalares são comuns e caras; na Colômbia há pouca informação. O objetivo foi determinar a frequência de readmissões hospitalares por qualquer causa aos 30 dias e fatores associados. Estudo analítico, coorte retrospectivo 64.969 hospitalizações entre janeiro de 2008 e janeiro de 2009 em 47 cidades colombianas. Seis mil quinhentos e setenta e três readmissões hospitalares, prevalência: 10,1% (homens 10,9%, mulheres 9,5%), 44,7% com > 65 anos. Maior mortalidade em readmissões hospitalares (5,8% vs. 1,8%). Aumento do número de readmissões hospitalares no grupo de sistema circulatório. Maior probabilidade de readmissões hospitalares em doenças hematológicas e neoplasias. Tempo médio de internação, durante a primeira readmissão: 7 dias em pacientes que foram readmitidos e 4,5 naqueles sem readmissão. Maior custo total de readmissões hospitalares (USD 21.998.275): 15,8% do custo total das internações. Maiores prevalências em pacientes encaminhados (18,8%) e pacientes do ambulatório (13,7%). Readmissões hospitalares são comuns, estão associadas com o maior tempo de hospitalização, mortalidade e custo. Aumento do risco de readmissões hospitalares em homens com > 65 anos, pacientes encaminhados de outras instituições, doenças hematológicas e neoplasias.

Economic analysis of routine neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve in total thyroidectomy / Análisis económico de la monitorización neurológica rutinaria del nervio laríngeo recurrente en la tiroidectomía total

Introduction: Thyroidectomy is a common surgery. Routine searching of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is the most important strategy to avoid palsy. Neuromonitoring has been recommended to decrease recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Objective: To assess if neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy is cost-effective in a developing country. Materials and methods: We designed a decision analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of recurrent laryngeal nerve neuromonitoring. For probabilities, we used data from a meta-analysis. Utility was measured using preference values. We considered direct costs. We conducted a deterministic and a probabilistic analysis. Results: We did not find differences in utility between arms. The frequency of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was 1% in the neuromonitor group and 1.6% for the standard group. Thyroidectomy without monitoring was the less expensive alternative. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was COP$ 9,112,065. Conclusion: Routine neuromonitoring in total thyroidectomy with low risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is neither cost-useful nor cost-effective in the Colombian health system.

Introducción. La tiroidectomía es una cirugía común. La búsqueda rutinaria del nervio laríngeo inferior es la estrategia más importante para evitar la parálisis. Objetivo. Evaluar el costo-efectividad en un país en desarrollo de la monitorización neurológica del nervio laríngeo inferior durante la tiroidectomía. Materiales y métodos. Se diseñó un análisis de decisiones para evaluar el costo-efectividad de la monitorización neurológica del nervio laríngeo inferior. Para las probabilidades se usaron datos de un meta-análisis. La utilidad se determinó con medidas de preferencia. Se incluyeron los costos directos. Se hizo un análisis determinístico y probabilístico. Resultados. No se encontraron diferencias en la utilidad entre las estrategias. La frecuencia de la lesión de este nervio fue de 1 % en el grupo bajo monitorización neurológica y de 1,6 % en el grupo de control. La tiroidectomía sin monitorización fue la alternativa menos costosa. La razón de costo-efectividad incremental fue de COP$ 9.112.065 Conclusión. La monitorización neurológica rutinaria en la tiroidectomía total con bajo riesgo de lesión del nervio laríngeo inferior, no es útil con relación a su costo ni costo-efectiva en el sistema de salud colombiano.

Cardiac Surgery Costs According to the Preoperative Risk in the Brazilian Public Health System / Custos das Cirurgias Cardíacas Segundo o Risco Pré-Operatório no Sistema Público de Saúde Brasileiro

AbstractBackground:Heart surgery has developed with increasing patient complexity.Objective:To assess the use of resources and real costs stratified by risk factors of patients submitted to surgical cardiac procedures and to compare them with the values reimbursed by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).Method:All cardiac surgery procedures performed between January and July 2013 in a tertiary referral center were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data allowed the calculation of the value reimbursed by the Brazilian SUS. Patients were stratified as low, intermediate and high-risk categories according to the EuroSCORE. Clinical outcomes, use of resources and costs (real costs versus SUS) were compared between established risk groups.Results:Postoperative mortality rates of low, intermediate and high-risk EuroSCORE risk strata showed a significant linear positive correlation (EuroSCORE: 3.8%, 10%, and 25%; p < 0.0001), as well as occurrence of any postoperative complication EuroSCORE: 13.7%, 20.7%, and 30.8%, respectively; p = 0.006). Accordingly, length-of-stay increased from 20.9 days to 24.8 and 29.2 days (p < 0.001). The real cost was parallel to increased resource use according to EuroSCORE risk strata (R$ 27.116,00 ± R$ 13.928,00 versus R$ 34.854,00 ± R$ 27.814,00 versus R$ 43.234,00 ± R$ 26.009,00, respectively; p < 0.001). SUS reimbursement also increased (R$ 14.306,00 ± R$ 4.571,00 versus R$ 16.217,00 ± R$ 7.298,00 versus R$ 19.548,00 ± R$935,00; p < 0.001). However, as the EuroSCORE increased, there was significant difference (p < 0.0001) between the real cost increasing slope and the SUS reimbursement elevation per EuroSCORE risk strata.Conclusion:Higher EuroSCORE was related to higher postoperative mortality, complications, length of stay, and costs. Although SUS reimbursement increased according to risk, it was not proportional to real costs.

ResumoFundamentos:A cirurgia cardíaca evoluiu progressivamente com o aumento da complexidade dos pacientes.Objetivo:Avaliar a utilização de recursos e o custo real segundo o grupo de risco dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca, e compará-los com o valor ressarcido pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).Método:Foram analisadas todas as cirurgias cardíacas realizadas entre janeiro e julho de 2013 em um centro terciário. Dados demográficos e clínicos permitiram o cálculo do valor ressarcido pelo SUS. Os pacientes foram estratificados em baixo, médio e alto risco pelo EuroSCORE. Os resultados clínicos, o uso de recursos e os custos (real versus SUS) foram comparados entre os grupos de risco estabelecidos.Resultados:Taxas de mortalidade pós-operatória de baixo, intermediário e alto risco apresentaram correlação linear positiva (EuroSCORE: 3,8%, 10% e 25%, respectivamente; p < 0,0001), assim como a ocorrência de alguma complicação pós-operatória (EuroSCORE: 13,7%, 20,7% e 30,8%, respectivamente; p = 0,006). O tempo de internação aumentou de 20,9 para 24,8 e 29,2 dias, respectivamente (p < 0,001). O custo real foi paralelo ao aumento da utilização de recursos, segundo o EuroSCORE (R$ 27.116,00 ± R$13.928,00 versus R$ 34.854,00 ± R$ 27.814,00 versus R$ 43.234,00 ± R$ 26.009,00, respectivamente; p < 0,001). O ressarcimento do SUS também aumentou (R$ 14.306,00 ± R$ 4.571,00 versus R$ 16.217,00 ± R$ 7.298,00 versus R$ 19.548,00 ± R$ 935,00; p < 0,001). Mesmo com aumento do EuroSCORE, houve diferença (p < 0,0001) progressiva entre o incremento do custo real e o ressarcimento do SUS.Conclusão:O aumento do EuroSCORE esteve relacionado a maiores morbimortalidade, tempo de internação e custos no pós-operatório. Embora o ressarcimento do SUS também aumente conforme o risco, ele não é proporcional ao custo real.

Preventing smoking during pregnancy: the importance of maternal knowledge of the health hazards and of the treatment options available / Prevenção do tabagismo na gravidez: importância do conhecimento materno sobre os malefícios para a saúde e opções de tratamento disponíveis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the pattern of tobacco use and knowledge about tobacco-related diseases, as well as to identify popular types of electronic media, in pregnant women, in order to improve strategies for the prevention or cessation of smoking among such women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 61 pregnant women, seen at primary care clinics and at a university hospital, in the city of Botucatu, Brazil. For all subjects, we applied the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. For subjects with a history of smoking, we also applied the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and we evaluated the level of motivation to quit smoking among the current smokers. RESULTS: Of the 61 pregnant women evaluated, 25 (40.9%) were smokers (mean age, 26.4 ± 7.4 years), 24 (39.3%) were former smokers (26.4 ± 8.3 years), and 12 (19.8%) were never-smokers (25.1 ± 7.2 years). Thirty-nine women (63.9%) reported exposure to passive smoking. Of the 49 smokers/former smokers, 13 (26.5%) were aware of the pulmonary consequences of smoking; only 2 (4.1%) were aware of the cardiovascular risks; 23 (46.9%) believed that smoking does not harm the fetus or newborn infant; 21 (42.9%) drank alcohol during pregnancy; 18 (36.7%) reported increased cigarette consumption when drinking; 25 (51.0%) had smoked flavored cigarettes; and 12 (24.5%) had smoked a narghile. Among the 61 pregnant women evaluated, television was the most widely available and favorite form of electronic media (in 85.2%), as well as being the form most preferred (by 49.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Among pregnant women, active smoking, passive smoking, and alternative forms of tobacco consumption appear to be highly prevalent, and such women seem to possess little knowledge about the consequences of tobacco use. Educational programs that include information about the consequences of all forms of tobacco use, employing new and effective formats tailored to this particular population, should be developed, ...

OBJETIVO: Examinar o padrão de consumo do tabaco e conhecimentos sobre as doenças relacionadas ao tabaco, assim como identificar os tipos mais populares de mídias entre gestantes para aprimorar estratégias para a prevenção e a cessação do tabagismo entre essas mulheres. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 61 gestantes atendidas em um hospital universitário e em unidades básicas de saúde em Botucatu, SP. A Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão foi aplicada a todas as participantes. Para aquelas com história de tabagismo, também foi aplicado o Teste de Fagerström para Dependência de Nicotina, e foi avaliado o grau de motivação para cessação tabágica nas fumantes. RESULTADOS: Das 61 gestantes avaliadas, 25 (40,9%) eram fumantes (média de idade, 26,4 ± 7,4 anos), 24 (39,3%) eram ex-fumantes (média de idade, 26,4 ± 8,3 anos), e 12 (19,8%) nunca fumaram (média de idade, 25,1 ± 7,2 anos). A exposição passiva foi relatada por 39 gestantes (63,9%). Das 49 fumantes/ex-fumantes, 13 (29,6%) conheciam as consequências pulmonares do tabagismo; somente 2 (4,9%) conheciam os riscos cardiovasculares; 23 (46,9%) acreditavam que fumar não causa nenhum problema para o feto ou o recém-nascido; 21 (42,9%) consumiram álcool durante a gestação; 18 (36,7%) relataram aumento no consumo de cigarros quando bebiam; 25 (51,0%) experimentaram cigarros com sabores; e 12 (24,5%) fumaram narguilé. Entre as 61 gestantes avaliadas, a televisão foi o tipo de mídia mais disponível e favorita (85,2%), assim como a mais preferida (49,2%). CONCLUSÕES: Entre gestantes, o fumo ativo, o fumo passivo e o uso de formas alternativas de consumo de tabaco parecem ser altamente prevalentes, e tais mulheres parecem possuir poucos conhecimentos sobre as consequências do uso de tabaco. Programas educacionais que incluam informações sobre as consequências de todas as formas de uso de tabaco, utilizando formatos novos e efetivos para esta população específica, devem ser desenvolvidos para ...

Impacto de la infección nosocomial en un hospital de Bogotá (Colombia): efectos en mortalidad y costos / Nosocomial infections impact in a hospital in Bogota (Colombia): effects on mortality and hospital costs

Background: Nosocomial infections (NI) are events associated with high impact on hospital costs and mortality. Aim: To evaluate from the health provider's perspective the costs and mortality attributable to NI. Methods: We selected a sample of patients with and without NI matched by age and diagnosis at admission. Costs were calculated and converted from Colombian pesos to US dollars using the average exchange rate of 2008. We evaluated the mortality rate in both groups. Results: We collected data on 187 patients with NI and 276 without NI. Median total hospitalization cost was US$ 6,329 (95% CI US$5,527-7,934) in NI patients, while in non-infected patients this median was US$1,207 (95% CI US$ 974-1,495). Mortality was higher in the NI group (31.6% versus 5.1%). Patients with NI had longer hospital stays (median 21 days, 95% CI 18-24 days) than non-infected patients (median 5 days, 95% CI 5-6 days). Mortality was also markedly higher in the NI group than in the non-infected group (31.6% versus 5.1%). Conclusion: NI are adverse and costly events related to patient attention that affect adversely the quality of attention.

Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud (IAAS) están relacionadas con un incremento en los costos de hospitalización y un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Objetivo: Establecer los costos y la mortalidad asociados a la presentación IAAS en una institución de cuarto nivel. Métodos: Se hizo una selección pareada de pacientes con IAAS y sin IAAS para calcular el costo por medio de costeo directo y emparejamiento. Los costos fueron calculados en pesos colombianos y convertidos a dólares estadounidenses según la tasa de cambio de 2008. Resultados: Se incluyeron 187 pacientes con IAAS y 276 pacientes sin IAAS. La tasa de IAAS fue de 1,8% La mediana del costo de hospitalización en los pacientes con IAAS fue US$ 6.329 (95% CI US$ 5.527-7.934) y en los no infectados de US$1,207 (95% CI US$ 974-1.495). Los pacientes con IAAS presentaron mayor tiempo de estancia hospitalaria, con una diferencia de 16 días respecto a los no infectados (21 días (IC 95% 18-24) vs 5 días (IC 95% 5-6)). Se encontró una mortalidad atribuible de 26,4%. Conclusiones: Las IAAS son eventos adversos a la atención, que se asocian con mayor mortalidad y generación de costos extra.

Healthcare Spending and Performance of Specialty Hospitals: Nationwide Evidence from Colorectal-Anal Specialty Hospitals in South Korea

PURPOSE: Aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics and performance of colorectal-anal specialty vs. general hospitals for South Korean inpatients with colorectal-anal diseases, and assesses the short-term designation effect of the government's specialty hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nationwide all colorectal-anal disease inpatient claims (n=292158) for 2010-2012 were used to investigate length of stay and inpatient charges for surgical and medical procedures in specialty vs. general hospitals. The patients' claim data were matched to hospital data, and multi-level linear mixed models to account for clustering of patients within hospitals were performed. RESULTS: Inpatient charges at colorectal-anal specialty hospitals were 27% greater per case and 92% greater per day than those at small general hospitals, but the average length of stay was 49% shorter. Colorectal-anal specialty hospitals had shorter length of stay and a higher inpatient charges per day for both surgical and medical procedures, but per case charges were not significantly different. A "specialty" designation effect also found that the colorectal-anal specialty hospitals may have consciously attempted to reduce their length of stay and inpatient charges. Both hospital and patient level factors had significant roles in determining length of stay and inpatient charges. CONCLUSION: Colorectal-anal specialty hospitals have shorter length of stay and higher inpatient charges per day than small general hospitals. A "specialty" designation by government influence performance and healthcare spending of hospitals as well. In order to maintain prosperous specialty hospital system, investigation into additional factors that affect performance, such as quality of care and patient satisfaction should be carried out.