RESUMO
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is the most frequent cause of renal failure in children, and the second cause of renal transplant. Argentina has the highest incidence of the world. Direct and indirect costs of HUS in its different clinical phases were studied. A retrospective review of all clinical notes of patients attending the hospital during the period 1987-2003 was carried out. Cost of every medical intervention, including diagnostic and therapeutic actions were calculated by the Hospital Department of Costs, according to two criteria: cost per process and cost per patient (considering total processes received each). Indirect costs were estimated according to guidelines established by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC): 1) family costs 2) social expenses afforded by the state, 3) cost of health services. Out of a total sample size of 525 patients, 231 clinical notes of children were selected and studied. The direct cost per patient in the acute period was US dollar 1 500, the total direct cost of care for each patient per year was US dollar 15 399,53; indirect costs per patient and for all year were US dollar 3 004,33 and US dollar 7 354,98 respectively. Total costs during 2005 per patient and per year was US dollar 17 553,39 and US dollar 2 170 477,37 respectively. Our study provides valuable information not only for purposes of health care planning, but also for helping authorities to set priorities in health, and to support the idea of developing preventive actions in a totally preventable condition in Argentina.