End-of-Life Costs in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Identify the costs of an oncology patient at the end of life. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted by screening Embase, PubMed and Lilacs databases, including all studies evaluating end-of-life care costs for cancer patients up to March 2024. The review writing followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Drummond checklist. The protocol is available at PROSPERO CRD42023403186. RESULTS: A total of 733 studies were retrieved, and 43 were considered eligible. Among the studies analyzed, 41,86% included all types of neoplasms, 18.60% of lung neoplasm, All articles performed direct cost analysis, and 9.30% also performed indirect cost analysis. No study evaluated intangible costs, and most presented the macrocosting methodology from the payer's perspective. The articles included in this review presented significant heterogeneity related to populations, diagnoses, periods considered for evaluation of end-of-life care, and cost analyses. Most of the studies were from a payer perspective (74,41%) and based on macrocosting methodologies (81,39%), which limit the use of the information to evaluate variabilities in the consumption of resources. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the complexity of end-of-life care and the need for consistent data on costs in this period, new studies, mainly in low- and middle-income countries with approaches to indirect and intangible costs, with a societal perspective, are important for public policies of health in accordance with the trend of transforming value-based care, allowing the health care system to create more value for patients and their families.

Custo-Efetividade da Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea Venoarterial no Choque Cardiogênico Refratário: Um Estudo na Perspectiva Brasileira / Cost-Utility of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: A Brazilian Perspective Study

Resumo Fundamento O choque cardiogênico (CC) refratário está associado com altas taxas de mortalidade, e o uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial (VA-ECMO, do inglês venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) como uma opção terapêutica tem gerado discussões. Nesse sentido, sua custo-efetividade, principalmente em países de baixa e média renda como o Brasil, continua incerto.Objetivos: Conduzir uma análise de custo-efetividade na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) para avaliar a custo-efetividade de VA-ECMO combinado com o tratamento padrão em comparação ao tratamento padrão isolado em pacientes adultos com CC refratário. Métodos Acompanhamos uma coorte de pacientes com CC refratário tratados com VA-ECMO em centros de assistência terciária do sul brasileiro. Coletamos dados de desfechos e custos hospitalares. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática para complementar nossos dados e usamos o modelo de Markov para estimar a razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) por ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade (QALY) e por ano de vida ganho. Resultados Na análise do caso-base, a VA-ECMO gerou uma RCEI de Int$ 37 491 por QALY. Análises de sensibilidade identificaram o custo de internação, o risco relativo de sobrevida, e a sobrevida do grupo submetido à VA-ECMO como principais variáveis influenciando os resultados. A análise de sensibilidade probabilística mostrou um benefício do uso de VA-ECMO, com uma probabilidade de 78% de custo-efetividade no limiar recomendado de disposição a pagar. Conclusões Nosso estudo sugere que, dentro do SUS, VA-ECMO pode ser uma terapia custo-efetiva para o CC refratário. Contudo, a escassez de dados sobre a eficácia e de ensaios clínicos recentes que abordem seus benefícios em subgrupos específicos de pacientes destaca a necessidade de mais pesquisas. Ensaios clínicos rigorosos, incluindo perfis diversos de pacientes, são essenciais para confirmar a custo-efetividade com uso de VA-ECMO e assegurar acesso igualitário a intervenções médicas avançadas dentro dos sistemas de saúde, especialmente em países com desigualdades socioeconômicas como o Brasil.

Abstract Background Refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with high mortality rates, and the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a therapeutic option has generated discussions. Therefore, its cost-effectiveness, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil, remains uncertain.Objectives: To conduct a cost-utility analysis from the Brazilian Unified Health System perspective to assess the cost-effectiveness of VA-ECMO combined with standard care compared to standard care alone in adult refractory CS patients. Methods We followed a cohort of refractory CS patients treated with VA-ECMO in tertiary care centers located in Southern Brazilian. We collected data on hospital outcomes and costs. We conducted a systematic review to supplement our data and utilized a Markov model to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and per life-year gained. Results In the base-case analysis, VA-ECMO yielded an ICER of Int$ 37,491 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses identified hospitalization cost, relative risk of survival, and VA-ECMO group survival as key drivers of results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis favored VA-ECMO, with a 78% probability of cost-effectiveness at the recommended willingness-to-pay threshold. Conclusions Our study suggests that, within the Brazilian Health System framework, VA-ECMO may be a cost-effective therapy for refractory CS. However, limited efficacy data and recent trials questioning its benefit in specific patient subsets highlight the need for further research. Rigorous clinical trials, encompassing diverse patient profiles, are essential to confirm cost-effectiveness and ensure equitable access to advanced medical interventions within healthcare systems, particularly in socio-economically diverse countries like Brazil.

Direct healthcare costs for people with cerebral palsy in the Brazilian unified health system between 2015 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: Estimate the costs of inpatient and outpatient care for people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Brazil. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Health records of people with CP in the Hospital and Outpatient Information Systems of Brazil between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed. Variables analyzed were gender, age, ICD, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) use, total cost, and ICU cost. Costs were adjusted for inflation and converted to dollars. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between social and clinical variables and direct costs. RESULTS: A total direct cost of approximately $166 million to the National Health System was identified, with $7.08 million/year and $26.1 million/year of inpatient and outpatient costs, respectively. The healthcare was primarily for children up to 14 years of age. The ICD 'spastic quadriplegic CP' received the most attendance. Rehabilitation was responsible for 75% of the outpatient care, with physiotherapy standing out. Increased age, use of ICU, and the types of CP are related to increased cost. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare for people with CP produced expressive costs for the Brazilian public health system, mainly with outpatient procedures and rehabilitation, with children being the most attended. Estimating these costs assist in better resource allocation for more effective healthcare provision.

Economic implications of step-down outpatient management for fever and neutropenia episodes in pediatric cancer patients: a cost minimization analysis.

BACKGROUND: The management of febrile neutropenia (FN) in pediatric cancer patients has traditionally been conducted in a hospital setting. However, recent evidence has indicated that outpatient management of FN can be equally effective compared to inpatient care. Based on this evidence, we conducted a cost-minimization analysis (CMA) specifically focused on pediatric cancer patients in Mexico. METHODS: A piggy-back study was conducted during the execution of a non-inferiority clinical trial that compared outpatient treatment to inpatient treatment for FN in children with cancer. A CMA was performed from a societal perspective using patient-level data. In the previous study, we observed that step-down oral outpatient management of low-risk FN was as safe and effective as inpatient intravenous management. Direct and indirect costs were collected prospectively. The costs were adjusted for inflation and converted to US dollars, with values standardized to July 2022 costs. Statistical analysis using bootstrap methods was employed to obtain robust estimations for decision-making within the Mexican public health care system. RESULTS: A total of 117 FN episodes were analyzed, with 60 in the outpatient group and 57 in the inpatient group; however, complete cost data were available for only 115 FN episodes. The analysis revealed an average savings of $1,087 per FN episode managed on an outpatient basis, representing a significant 92% reduction in total cost per FN episode compared to inpatient treatment. Length of hospital stay and inpatient consultations emerged as the primary cost drivers within the inpatient care group. CONCLUSION: This CMA demonstrates that the step-down outpatient management approach is cost-saving when compared to inpatient management of FN in pediatric cancer patients. The mean difference observed between the treatment groups provides support for decision-making within the public health care system, as outpatient management of FN allows for substantial cost savings without compromising patient health.

Patient Blood Management Program Implementation: Comprehensive Recommendations and Practical Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Blood transfusion is one of the most common medical practices worldwide. However, current scientific literature has shown that the immunomodulatory effects of blood transfusion are associated with an increased likelihood of infection, prolonged hospitalization, and morbimortality. Also, it means high costs for healthcare systems. METHODS: In this context, acknowledging that blood transfusions are essentially heterologous cell transplantations, the use of therapeutic options has gained strength and is collectively known as the patient blood management (PBM) program. PBM is an approach based on three main pillars: (1) treating anemias and coagulopathies in an optimized manner, especially in the preoperative period; (2) optimizing perioperative hemostasis and the use of blood recovery systems to avoid the loss of the patient's blood; (3) anemia tolerance, with improved oxygen delivery and reduced oxygen demand, particularly in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Current scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of PBM by reducing the need for blood transfusions, decreasing associated complications, and promoting more efficient and safer blood management. Thus, PBM not only improves clinical outcomes for patients but also contributes to the economic sustainability of healthcare systems. CONCLUSION: The aim of this review was to summarize PBM strategies in a comprehensive, evidence-based approach through a systematic and structured model for PBM implementation in tertiary hospitals. The recommendations proposed herein are from researchers and experts of a high-complexity university hospital in the network of the Sistema Único de Saúde, presenting itself as a strategy that can be followed as a guideline for PBM implementation in other settings.

Patient-level cost analysis of intensive care unit acquired infections: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital-associated infections (HAIs) are associated with increased mortality and prolonged hospital length-of-stay (LOS). Although some studies have shown that HAIs are associated with increased costs, these studies only used cost estimates, were carried out in a small number of centres, or only in high-income countries. METHODS: We carried out a prospective cohort study in ten Brazilian intensive care units (ICUs) selected from a collaborative platform study (IMPACTO MR). We included all patients aged 18 years or older admitted from October 2019 to December 2021 and who had an ICU LOS of at least two days. The costs were adjusted for official inflation until December 2022 and converted into international dollars using the 2021 purchasing power parity (PPP) conversion rate. We used a propensity score matching method to compare patients with HAIs and patients without HAIs, and patients with and without ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central-line bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) HAIs. RESULTS: We included 7,953 patients in the study, of whom 574 (7.2%) had an HAI during their ICU stay. After propensity-score matching, patients with HAIs had ICU costs that were more than three times higher than those of patients without HAIs [$ 19,642 (IQR; 12,884-35,134) vs. 6,086 (IQR; 3,268-12,550); p <0.001). Patients with VAP, CLABSI, and CA-UTI, but not with MDR-HAIs also had higher total ICU costs. CONCLUSIONS: HAIs acquired in the ICU are associated with higher ICU costs. These findings were consistent across specific types of infection.

Impact of stoma site marking on healthcare costs in patient care / Impacto da demarcação da estomia de eliminação nos custos assistenciais do cuidado ao paciente / Impacto de la demarcación de laostomía de eliminación en los costos de atención al paciente

Objetivo: Analisar o impacto da demarcação da estomia de eliminação nos custos assistenciais do cuidado aos pacientes demarcados e não demarcados e seus desdobramentos. Método: Pesquisa de avaliação econômica em saúde baseada em dados primários retrospectivos. Os dados foram obtidos dos prontuários de pacientes do Serviço de Atenção à Saúde da Pessoa Ostomizada, em Belo Horizonte (MG), atendidos entre 2015 e 2021. A amostra foi composta de 40 pacientes, sendo 20 demarcado e 20 não demarcado. Foi aplicado o teste de Mann-Whitney para amostras independentes e analisado o tamanho do efeito, que foi corrigido com o uso do teste g de Hedge, considerando o risco de baixo poder amostral. Resultados: Identificou-se o custo médio de R$ 5.201.47 para o grupo dos pacientes não demarcados, que foi 23,88% maior que o custo de R$ 3.959,27 para o grupo dos demarcados. A maioria dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 60,7 anos, casados e pardos. O câncer colorretal foi a causa mais comum em estomias, enquanto a dermatite foi a complicação mais frequente. Observou-se que as complicações implicaram o aumento dos custos. Conclusão: A demarcação impacta os custos dos cuidados de saúde das pessoas com estomia de eliminação. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de la demarcación de la ostomía de eliminación en los costos asistenciales del cuidado a los pacientes demarcados y no demarcados y sus desdoblamientos. Método: Investigación de evaluación económica en salud basada en datos primarios retrospectivos. Los datos fueron obtenidos de los prontuarios de pacientes del Servicio de Atención a la Salud de Personas Ostomizadas, en Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais ­ MG), Brasil, atendidos entre 2015 y 2021. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 40 pacientes, 20 demarcados y 20 no demarcados. Se realizó la prueba de Mann-Whitney para muestras independientes y el análisis del tamaño del efecto corregido se realizó mediante la prueba de Hedge g considerando el riesgo de bajo poder muestral. Resultados: Se identificó un costo promedio de R$ 5.201,47 para el grupo de pacientes no demarcados, que fue un 23,88% superior al costo de R$ 3.959,27 en el grupo de pacientes demarcados. La mayoría de los pacientes eran mujeres, con una edad media de 60,7 años, casadas y de raza mixta. El cáncer colorrectal fue la causa más común de estomías, mientras que la dermatitis fue la complicación más frecuente. Se observó que las complicaciones resultaron en un aumento de los costos. Conclusión: La demarcación tiene un impacto en los costos de atención de la salud de las personas con estomía de eliminación. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the impact of stoma site marking on healthcare costs for patients who underwent marking and those who did not, as well as the subsequent outcomes. Method: We conducted an economic evaluation in healthcare based on retrospective primary data. We obtained the data from the medical records of patients treated at the Health Care Service for Ostomy Patients in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2015 and 2021. The sample consisted of 40 patients, with 20 who underwent stoma site marking and 20 who did not. We applied the Mann-Whitney test for independent samples and analyzed the effect size, which was adjusted using Hedge's g test, considering the risk of low sample power. Results: The study identified an average cost of R$5,201.47 (US$938.19) for the group of patients who did not undergo stoma site marking, which was 23.88% higher than the cost of R$3,959.27 (US$938.19) for the group who did. Most patients were female, with an average age of 60.7 years, married, and of mixed race. Colorectal cancer was the most common cause of stoma creation, while dermatitis was the most frequent complication. We observed that complications led to increased costs. Conclusion: Stoma site marking significantly affects the healthcare costs for individuals with elimination stomas. (AU)

2-year survival and cost analysis of occlusoproximal ART restorations using encapsulated glass ionomer cement in primary molars: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The survival of ART restorations can be influenced by the choice of the restorative material. The aim of this randomized non-inferiority controlled trial was to compare the 2-year survival rate and cost analysis of two encapsulated glass ionomer cements (GIC) as occlusoproximal restorative materials in primary molars. METHODS: Children from public schools in Tietê (Brazil), aged 4-8 years with occlusoproximal dentine carious lesions in primary molars were selected and randomly assigned to receive either Equia Forte (EF) or Riva Self Cure (RSC) as restorative materials. Treatment was carried out by two trained final-year dental students in schools following ART premises. Restorations were assessed by a trained and calibrated examiner after 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was restoration survival after 2 years, analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis (α = 5%). Professional and materials costs for each group were collected in Brazilian Reais (R$) and converted into US dollars (US$) and analyzed using Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS: A total of 152 children (76 per group) were included in the study, and 121 (79%) were evaluated after 2 years. The overall 2-year restoration survival rate was 39% (EF = 45%; RSC = 32%) with no difference between the groups. The baseline and 2-year total cost of restorations using RSC was lower when compared to EF (incremental cost: US$ 6.18). CONCLUSION: After two years of follow-up, Riva Self Cure shows comparable restoration survival rates to Equia Forte, being more cost-effective in the Brazilian perspective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov - NCT02730000.

Burden of disease and direct costs to the health system attributable to high body mass index in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Excess weight, measured by a high body mass index (BMI), is associated with the onset of many diseases, which can, in turn, lead to disability and premature death, subsequently placing a significant burden on healthcare services. This study analysed the burden of disease and the direct costs to the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde [SUS]) attributable to high BMI in the Brazilian population. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological study. METHODS: This ecological study had two components: (1) a time-series assessment to analyse the burden of diseases attributable to high BMI from 1990 to 2019 in Brazil; and (2) a cross-sectional design to estimate the direct costs of SUS hospitalisations and outpatient procedures attributable to high BMI in 2019. Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study and the costs of hospital admissions and outpatient procedures from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System were used. Deaths, years of life lost to premature death (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost adjusted for disability (DALYs) were analysed. The direct health cost was obtained in Brazilian Real (R$) and converted in international Dollars (INT$). RESULTS: The current study found a reduction in the number of DALYs, YLLs, and deaths per 100,000 population of cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributable to high BMI and an increase in YLD due to diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to high BMI from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, high BMI resulted in 2404 DALYs, 658 YLDs, 1746 YLLs, and 76 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In the same year, INT$377.30 million was spent on hospitalisations and high- and medium-complexity procedures to control non-communicable diseases attributable to high BMI. The states in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil presented the highest total cost per 10,000 inhabitants. CVDs and chronic kidney disease showed the highest costs per hospital admission, whereas neoplasms and CVDs presented the highest costs for outpatient procedures. CONCLUSIONS: High BMI causes significant disease burden and financial costs. The highest expenses observed were not in locations with the highest burden of disease attributable to high BMI. These findings highlight the need to improve current public policies and apply cost-effective intervention packages, focussing on equity and the promotion of healthier lifestyles to reduce overweight/obesity, especially in localities with low socioeconomic status.

Microcosting analysis of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy with intermediate doses of cytarabine in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is considered a costly disease. Depending on the risk stratification, the patient may receive consolidation with cycles of intermediate doses of cytarabine, auto-HSCT or allo-HSCT according to availability in each service and the availability of a compatible donor. Literature data indicate that safety and effectiveness do not differ between consolidation therapy with intermediate-dose cytarabine or auto-HSCT, and so the cost can help physicians and health managers in their choice. METHOD: The cost of the second consolidation was compared in 18 to 60-year-old patients with de novo AML who were included in the International Consortium of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (ICAML) protocol. Patients treated with auto-HSCT or intermediate doses of cytarabine (IDAC) were analysed during four years using the microcosting methodology. RESULTS: The mean costs for auto-HSCT and IDAC were BRL$ 34,900.95 (range: 23,611.36-41,229.59) and 15,231.64 (range: 6,546.36-23,253.53), respectively. The mean duration of in-hospital stay was 88.4 (93-133) and 94 (50-153) days, respectively. The mean cost of the four cycles of treatment was BRL$ 114.212,78 for auto-HSCT and BRL$ 121.980,93 for the chemotherapy group. Regardless of the type of treatment, the input that had the greatest economic impact was hospital admission, mainly due to infections. CONCLUSION: Auto-HSCT had a lower average cost per patient and hospitalization rate than chemotherapy.

Tratamento hemodinâmico em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio: fatores / Preditores da elevação do custo hemodynamic treatment in patients with acute myocardial infarction: predictors of cost increase / Tratamiento hemodinámico em pacientes com infarto agudo de miocardio: predictores de aumento do costos

Objetivo: Analisar os fatores preditores para a elevação do custo direto do tratamento hemodinâmico em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com análise documental de 124 prontuários de pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio submetidos a procedimentos hemodinâmicos subsidiados pelo SUS, no período de 2016 a 2017. Foram consideradas como variáveis as características sociais e clínicas, a completitude do prontuário e o custo do tratamento. Resultados: O custo médio do tratamento hemodinâmico é de R$ 6.141,94 reais; sendo que a maioria dos pacientes teve custo de tratamento entre R$ 3 a 5 mil reais. Evidenciou-se que os fatores preditores para o custo são: nível de escolaridade; tempo de internação; e completitude do prontuário. O tipo de procedimento e o diagnóstico do paciente são condições clínicas que não interferem no custo do tratamento. Conclusão: O financiamento do sistema público de saúde é deficitário, pois corresponde a metade do menor nível de custo de tratamento hemodinâmico evidenciado. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the predictive factors for the increase in the direct cost of hemodynamic treatment in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: Cross-sectional study, with documental analysis of 124 medical records of patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing hemodynamic procedures subsidized by the SUS, in the period from 2016 to 2017. Social and clinical characteristics, completeness of the medical record and cost were considered as variables of the treatment. Results: The average cost of hemodynamic treatment is R$ 6,141.94 reais; and most patients had a treatment cost between R$ 3 to 5 thousand reais. It was evident that the predictive factors for the cost are: level of education; length of stay; and completeness of the medical record. The type of procedure and the patient's diagnosis are clinical conditions that do not affect the cost of treatment. Conclusion: The financing of the public health system is deficient, as it corresponds to half of the lowest level of hemodynamic treatment cost evidenced. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar los factores predictivos del incremento del coste directo del tratamiento hemodinámico en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio. Métodos: Estudio transversal, con análisis documental de 124 historias clínicas de pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio sometidos a procedimientos hemodinámicos subvencionados por el SUS, en el período de 2016 a 2017. Se consideraron características sociales y clínicas, integridad de la historia clínica y costo. como variables del tratamiento. Resultados: El costo promedio del tratamiento hemodinámico es de R$ 6.141,94 reales; y la mayoría de los pacientes tuvo un costo de tratamiento entre R$ 3 a 5 mil reales. Se evidenció que los factores predictivos del costo son: nivel de educación; duración de la estancia; e integridad del expediente médico. El tipo de procedimiento y el diagnóstico del paciente son condiciones clínicas que no afectan el costo del tratamiento. Conclusión: El financiamiento del sistema público de salud es deficiente, ya que corresponde a la mitad del nivel más bajo de costo de tratamiento hemodinámico evidenciado. (AU)

Disability and costs of IHD attributable to the consumption of trans-fatty acids in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the disability and costs of the Brazilian Unified Health System for IHD attributable to trans-fatty acid (TFA) consumption in 2019. DESIGN: This ecological study used secondary data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 to estimate the years lived with disability from IHD attributable to TFA in Brazil in 2019. Data on direct costs (purchasing power parity: 1 Int$ = R$ 2·280) were obtained from the Hospital and Ambulatory Information Systems of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Moreover, the total costs in each state were divided by the resident population in 2019 and multiplied by 10 000 inhabitants. The relationship between the socio-demographic index, disease and economic burden was investigated. SETTING: Brazil and its twenty-seven states. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged ≥ 25 years of both sexes. RESULTS: IHD attributable to TFA consumption resulted in 11 165 years lived with disability (95 % uncertainty interval 932­18 462) in 2019 in Brazil. A total of Int$ 54 546 227 (95 % uncertainty interval 4 505 792­85 561 810) was spent in the Brazilian Unified Health System in 2019 due to IHD attributable to TFA, with the highest costs of hospitalisations, for males and individuals aged ≥ 50 years or over. The highest costs were observed in Sergipe (Int$ 6508/10 000; 95 % uncertainty interval 576­10 265), followed by the two states from the South. Overall, as the socio-demographic index increases, expenditures increase. CONCLUSIONS: TFA consumption results in a high disease and economic IHD burden in Brazil, reinforcing the need for more effective health policies, such as industrial TFA elimination, following the international agenda.

Economic burden of type-2 diabetes in Peru: a cost-of-illness study valuing cost differences associated with the level of glycemic control.

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents an increasing public health problem in Peru. This study aims to estimate the national economic burden of this disease for the public funder, the social security, and private sector insurers. METHODS: Direct healthcare costs were estimated for a cohort of 45-to-75-year-old adults diagnosed with T2DM in 2019, over a 20-year period. Disease progression was modeled using PROSIT Models and literature, including acute and chronic microvascular and macrovascular complications. Three scenarios of glycemic control were considered: current levels of 35.8% of the population controlled (HbA1c < 7%) (S1); 100% controlled (S2) and; 100% uncontrolled (S3). The impact of diabetes prevalence on overall costs was evaluated in sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Total national economic burden was estimated at $15,405,448,731; an annual average per patient of $2,158. Total costs would decrease to $12,853,113,596 (-16.6%) in S2 and increase to $16,828,713,495 (+9.2%) in S3. Treating patients with complications and risk factors could cost 6.5 times more, being stroke the complication with the highest impact. Up to a 67.6% increase in total costs was found when increasing T2DM prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM places a heavy burden on the Peruvian healthcare budget that will be even greater if poor glycemic control is maintained.

A Microcost Analysis of the Use of Personal Protective Equipment During and Before the COVID-19 Pandemic From a Hospital Perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To calculate the direct cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) used during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of a Brazilian tertiary public hospital. METHODS: We evaluated the cost of PPE during the pandemic to the cost before (2021 vs 2019, respectively) using the microcosting method. Cost estimates were converted into US dollars in 2023, taking inflation into account and using purchasing power parity conversion rates. Our expenses included gloves, disposable gowns, head coverings, masks, N95 respirators, and eye protection. The number of PPE used was determined by the hospital's usual protocol, the total number of hospitalized patients, and the number of days of hospitalization. We used the following variables for uncertainty analysis: PPE adherence, an interquartile range of median length of hospitalization, and variance in the cost of each PPE. RESULTS: In 2021, 26 618 individuals were hospitalized compared with 31 948 in 2019. The median length of stay was 6 and 4 days, respectively. The total and per-patient direct cost of PPE were projected to be 2 939 935.47 US dollar (USD) and 110.45 USD, respectively, during the pandemic, and 1 570 124.08 USD and 49.15 USD, respectively, before the pandemic. The individual cost of PPE was the most influential cost variable. CONCLUSIONS: According to the hospital's perspective, the total estimated direct cost of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic was nearly twice as high as the previous year. This difference might be explained by the 3-fold increase in PPE in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 compared with patients without isolation precautions.

Evaluation of Immunobiological Cold Chain Costs.

Background and Purpose: Studies assessing the costs of the immunobiological cold chain (CC) are scarce. Therefore, the factors that influence the allocation of resources in this process are not known. The objective of this study is to determine the cost of the immunobiological CC. Methods: The Health Economic Assessment study was carried out in Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2021 and 2022. The unit of analysis was the municipal level of the CC. The perspective of the Public Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) was considered as a funder, the year 2021 was considered as the time frame, and the period of 1 year was considered as the time horizon of the analysis. Direct medical, nonmedical, and indirect costs were included. A mixed technique was used involving micro- and macrocosting and sensitivity analysis to identify the influence of the main categories on the final cost. Results: The total cost was USD 20,014,545, with nonmedical direct costs being the most representative (61.24%). Human resources were the most influential items, representing 76.43% of the total cost. Conclusions: The most influential items should be those of greatest concern and planned by managers to make the CC more efficient.

Economic burden for the Unified Health System attributable to excessive sodium consumption in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the economic costs of excessive sodium consumption in terms of hospitalizations and outpatient procedures of medium and high complexity (OPMHC) for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and its states in 2019. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological study. METHOD: This study used population attributable fractions (PAFs) of excessive sodium consumption estimated by the Global Burden of Disease study based on the theoretical minimum risk exposure level (3 g of sodium per day), the average population consumption, and relative risks of sodium-outcome pairs. PAFs were applied to the total costs of hospitalizations and OPMHC paid by SUS for each outcome obtained from the Outpatient and Hospital Information Systems. The costs per 10,000 inhabitants in all the Brazilian states were calculated and converted into international dollars (Int$), considering the purchasing parity power in the year 2019. RESULTS: Excessive sodium consumption resulted in Int$ 98,882,386.36 (95% uncertainty interval: Int$ 3,398,343.53-312,065,319.80) in hospitalizations and OPMHC costs in Brazil in 2019. Males and the 55- to 69-year-old age group had the highest expenditures attributable to excessive sodium consumption. Cardiovascular diseases were the most significant contributors to the costs associated with the risk factor. Southern and southeastern states had the highest costs of diseases attributable to sodium. CONCLUSION: Excessive sodium consumption has a significant economic burden on SUS, particularly among men and more developed states. This underscores the inequalities in socio-economic factors and access to health services throughout the country. Economic analyses at the subnational level can provide evidence for public policy planning to define the most appropriate actions for the population's sociodemographic reality.

Validation of a low-cost continuous renal replacement therapy dialysate fluid controller for experimental purposes.

BACKGROUND: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) support is crucial for critically ill patients and it is underexplored in specific situations. Experimental CRRT offers a means to gain insights into these scenarios, but the prohibitive cost of CRRT machines limits their accessibility. This study aimed to develop and validate a low-cost and precise dialysate controller for experimental CRRT. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate a commendable level of precision in affluent flow control, with a robust correlation (R2 = 0.99) for continuous flow and a strong correlation (R2 = 0.95) for intermittent flow. Additionally, we observed acceptable agreement with a bias = 3.4 mL (upper limit 95% = 43.9 mL and lower limit 95% = - 37 mL) for continuous flow and bias = - 20.9 mL (upper limit 95% = 54 mL and lower limit 95% = - 95.7 mL) for intermittent flow, in this way, offering a precise CRRT dose for the subjects. Furthermore, we achieved excellent precision in the cumulative ultrafiltration net (UFnet), with a bias = - 2.8 mL (upper limit 95% = 6.5 mL and lower limit 95% = - 12 mL). These results remained consistent even at low affluent flow rates of 8, 12, and 20 mL/min, which are compatible with CRRT doses of 25-30 mL/kg for medium-sized animals. Moreover, the acceptable precision of our findings persisted when the dialysate controller was subjected to high filter dialysate chamber pressure for an extended duration, up to 797 min. CONCLUSIONS: The low-cost dialysate controller developed and tested in this study offers a precise means of regulating CRRT in experimental settings. Its affordability and accuracy render it a valuable instrument for studying CRRT support in unconventional clinical scenarios, particularly in middle-income countries' experimental ICU laboratories.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Versus Centrally Inserted Central Catheter for In-Hospital Infusion Therapy: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) compared with centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs). METHODS: Prospective cohort study was followed by an economic analysis over a 30-day time horizon. Propensity score matching was used to select hospitalized adults with similar indications for PICC or CICC. The composite outcome was device removal or replacement because of complications before the end of treatment. The economic evaluation was based on a decision tree model for cost-effectiveness analysis, with calculation of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per catheter removal avoided. All costs are presented in Brazilian reais (BRL) (1 BRL = 0.1870 US dollar). RESULTS: A total of 217 patients were followed in each group; 172 (79.3%) of those receiving a PICC and 135 (62.2%) of those receiving a CICC had no device-related complication, respectively. When comparing the events leading to device removal, the risk of composite endpoint was significantly higher in the CICC group (hazard ratio 0.20; 95% CI 0.11-0.35). The cost of PICC placement was BRL 1290.98 versus BRL 467.16 for a CICC. In the base case, the ICER for placing a PICC instead of a CICC was BRL 3349.91 per removal or replacement avoided. On univariate sensitivity analyses, the model proved to be robust within an ICER range of 2500.00 to 4800.00 BRL. CONCLUSIONS: PICC placement was associated with a lower risk of complications than CICC placement. Although the cost of a PICC is higher, its use avoided complications and need for catheter replacement before the end of treatment.

The Safety and Cost Analysis of Outpatient Laparoendoscopy in the Treatment of Cholecystocholedocholithiasis: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: The advantages of single-stage treatment of cholecystocholedocholithiasis are well established, but the conditions for carrying out treatment on an outpatient basis require a review of concepts and practices of medical corporations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the practice of treating cholecystocholedocholithiasis by laparoendoscopy on an outpatient basis with cost analysis. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis treated by combined laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic choledocholithotomy from January 2015 to January 2019. After collecting data from physical and digital medical records, the patients were divided into two groups-AR (n = 42)-ambulatory regimen and HR (n = 28)-hospitalization regimen-which were compared in terms of demographic, clinical and treatment variables and their results, as well as in terms of costs. RESULTS: The mean age of the AR group was lower than that of the HR group and the physical status of the AR patients was better when assessed according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) (p = 0.01). There was no difference between groups regarding the risk of choledocholithiasis (p = 0.99). For the AR group, the length of stay was shorter: 11.29 h × 65.21 h (p = 0.02), as was the incidence of postoperative complications assessed by applying the Clavien-Dindo classification: 3 (7.1%) × 11 (39.2%) (p < 0.01). The total mean costs were higher for the HR group (USD 2489.93) than the AR group (USD 1650.98) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Outpatient treatment of cholecystocholedocholithiasis by laparoendoscopy is safe and viable for most cases, has a lower cost and can support the reorientation of training and practice of hepatobiliary surgeons.

Síndrome pós-COVID-19: sintomas persistentes, impacto funcional, qualidade de vida, retorno laboral e custos indiretos - estudo prospectivo de casos 12 meses após a infecção / Síndrome post-COVID-19: síntomas persistentes, impacto funcional, calidad de vida, retorno al trabajo y costos indirectos - estudio prospectivo de casos 12 meses tras la infección / Post-COVID-19 syndrome: persistent symptoms, functional impact, quality of life, return to work, and indirect costs - a prospective case study 12 months after COVID-19 infection

Os sintomas persistentes da síndrome pós-COVID-19 acarretam impactos negativos na saúde, qualidade de vida e produtividade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os sintomas persistentes da síndrome pós-COVID-19, principalmente neurológicos, e as repercussões cognitivas, emocionais, motoras, de qualidade de vida e de custos indiretos, 12 meses após a infecção. Pacientes com primeiros sintomas entre janeiro e junho de 2021 evoluíram com síndrome pós-COVID-19 e procuraram atendimento na unidade da Rede SARAH de Hospitais de Reabilitação em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. As informações foram obtidas no início do acompanhamento e por entrevista telefônica após 12 meses da infecção. Participaram do estudo 58 pessoas, com idade média de 52,8 anos (±10,5) e 60% permaneceram em UTI. Os sintomas mais frequentes na admissão foram: fadiga (64%), artralgia (51%) e dispneia (47%); e após 12 meses: fadiga (46%) e alteração de memória (39%). Foram identificadas alterações nas escalas/testes funcionais: PCFS, MoCA, HAD, FSS, SF-36, TLS5x, Timed up and go, caminhada de 6 minutos e preensão manual. Os custos indiretos totais foram de USD 227.821,00, com 11.653 dias de absenteísmo; 32% dos pacientes não voltaram a trabalhar. Melhores resultados de TLS5x e SF-36, nas dimensões capacidade funcional, aspecto físico, vitalidade e dor, demonstraram associação com retorno laboral (p ≤ 0,05). Os sintomas persistentes mais frequentes foram: fadiga, artralgia, dispneia, ansiedade e depressão, com repercussões negativas na funcionalidade cognitiva, emocional, motora e qualidade de vida. Esses sintomas perduraram por mais de um ano, principalmente fadiga e alteração de memória, sendo esta última mais relatada tardiamente. Houve dificuldade importante de retorno laboral e custos indiretos de USD 4.847,25 por pessoa/ano.

Síntomas persistentes del síndrome post-COVID-19 provocan impactos negativos en la salud, calidad de vida y productividad. El objetivo fue describir los síntomas persistentes del síndrome post-COVID-19, sobre todo neurológicos, y las repercusiones cognitivas, emocionales, motoras, de calidad de vida y los costos indirectos, 12 meses tras la infección. Pacientes que tuvieron los primeros síntomas entre enero y junio de 2021, desarrollaron síndrome post-COVID-19 y buscaron atención en la unidad de la Red SARAH de Hospitales de Rehabilitación en Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Las informaciones se obtuvieron al inicio del seguimiento y por entrevista telefónica 12 meses tras la infección. Participaron 58 personas, con edad de 52,8±10,5 años y el 60% permaneció en la UTI. Los síntomas más frecuentes al ingreso fueron: fatiga (64%), artralgia (51%) y disnea (47%); tras 12 meses fueron: fatiga (46%) y alteración de memoria (39%). Se identificaron alteraciones en las escalas/testes funcionales: PCFS, MoCA, HAD, FSS, SF-36, TLS5x, timed up and go, caminar por 6 minutos y prensión manual. Los costos indirectos totales fueron USD 227.821,00, con 11.653 días de absentismo. El 32% de los pacientes no volvió a trabajar. Mejor TLS5x y SF-36 en las dimensiones capacidad funcional, aspecto físico, vitalidad y dolor demostraron una asociación con el retorno al trabajo (p ≤ 0,05). Los síntomas persistentes más frecuentes fueron fatiga, artralgia, disnea, ansiedad y depresión, con repercusiones negativas en la funcionalidad cognitiva, emocional, motora y calidad de vida. Estos síntomas continuaron por más de un año, sobre todo la fatiga y la alteración de la memoria, siendo esta última reportada con más frecuencia tardíamente. Hubo una dificultad importante en el retorno al trabajo y costos indirectos de USD 4.847,25 persona/año.

The persistent symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome negatively impact health, quality of life, and productivity. This study aimed to describe the persistent symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome (especially neurological ones) and their 12-month post-infection cognitive, emotional, motor, quality of life, and indirect cost repercussions. Patients showing the first symptoms of COVID-19 from January to June 2021 who developed post-COVID-19 syndrome and sought care at the Fortaleza Unit (Ceará, Brazil) of the SARAH Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals were included in this study. Information was obtained at the baseline follow-up and by telephone interview 12 months post-infection. In total, 58 people participated in this study with an average age of 52.8±10.5 years, of which 60% required an ICU. The most frequent symptoms on admission included fatigue (64%), arthralgia (51%), and dyspnea (47%), whereas, after 12 months, fatigue (46%) and memory impairment (39%). The following scales/functional tests showed alterations: PCFS, MoCA, HAD, FSS, SF-36, TLS5x, timed up and go, 6-minute walk, and handgrip. Indirect costs totaled USD 227,821.00, with 11,653 days of absenteeism. Moreover, 32% of patients were unable to return to work. Better TLS5x and higher SF-36 scores in the functional capacity, physical functioning, vitality, and pain dimensions were associated with return to work (p ≤ 0.05). The most frequent persistent symptoms referred to fatigue, arthralgia, dyspnea, anxiety, and depression, which negatively affected cognitive, emotional, and motor function and quality of life. These symptoms lasted for over a year, especially fatigue and memory alteration, the latter of which being the most reported after COVID-19 infections. Results also show a significant difficulty returning to work and indirect costs of USD 4,847.25 per person/year.