Economic Burden of Huntington's Disease: Analysis from a Brazilian Tertiary Care Perspective.

Background: Huntington's disease (HD) exerts significant impacts on individuals and families worldwide. Nevertheless, data on its economic burden in Brazil are scarce, revealing a critical gap in understanding the associated healthcare costs. Objective: This study was conducted at a tertiary neurology outpatient clinic in Brazil with the aim of assessing annual healthcare service utilization and associated costs for HD patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 34 HD patients. A structured questionnaire was applied to collect data on direct medical costs (outpatient services, medications), non-medical direct costs (complementary therapies, mobility aids, home adaptations), and indirect costs (lost productivity, caregiver costs, government benefits) over one year. Results: Significant economic impacts were observed, with average annual direct medical costs of $4686.82 per HD patient. Non-medical direct and indirect costs increased the financial burden, highlighting extensive resource utilization beyond healthcare services. Thirty-three out of 34 HD patients were unemployed or retired, and 16 relied on government benefits, reflecting broader socioeconomic implications. Despite the dataset's limitations, it provides crucial insights into the economic impact of HD on patients and the Brazilian public health system. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for a more comprehensive evaluation of the costs to inform governmental policies related to HD. Future research is needed to expand the data pool and develop a nuanced understanding of the economic burdens of HD to help formulate effective healthcare strategies for patients.

Cost of hemophilia A in Brazil: a microcosting study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Hemophilia are continually monitored at treatment centers to avoid and control bleeding episodes. This study estimated the direct and indirect costs per patient with hemophilia A in Brazil and evaluated the cost variability across different age groups. METHODS: A prospective observational research was conducted with retrospective data collection of patients assisted at three referral blood centers in Brazil. Time-driven Activity-based Costing method was used to analyze direct costs, while indirect costs were estimated based on interviews with family and caregivers. Cost per patient was analyzed according to age categories, stratified into 3 groups (0-11;12-18 or older than 19 years old). The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used to confirm the differences in costs across groups. RESULTS: Data from 140 hemophilia A patients were analyzed; 53 were 0-11 years, 29 were 12-18 years, and the remaining were older than 19 years. The median cost per patient per year was R$450,831 (IQR R$219,842; R$785,149; $174,566), being possible to confirm age as a cost driver: older patients had higher costs than younger's (p = 0.001; median cost: 0-11 yrs R$299,320; 12-18 yrs R$521,936; ≥19 yrs R$718,969). CONCLUSION: This study is innovative in providing cost information for hemophilia A using a microcosting technique. The variation in costs across patient age groups can sustain more accurate health policies driven to increase access to cutting-edge technologies and reduce the burden of the disease.

Burden of non-communicable diseases attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019 for the Brazilian Unified Health System.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the health and economic burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019 for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) stratified by states. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, descriptive, and ecological study. METHODS: We used population attributable fractions (PAFs) of NCDs due to alcohol consumption from the Global Burden of Disease study. We applied the PAFs to the costs of hospitalizations and outpatient procedures of medium to high complexity paid by SUS for each outcome, obtained from official databases. We also calculated the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and mortality caused by alcohol-related NCDs. We converted the costs into international dollars (Int$) using the purchasing parity power in 2019. RESULTS: Alcohol-related NCDs accounted for 8.48% of deaths and 7.0% of DALYs among men, and 1.33% of deaths and 1.6% of DALYs among women. The main diseases were substance use, digestive, and neoplastic diseases. The SUS spent Int$202.0 million on alcohol-related NCDs, mostly on hospitalizations. The highest health burden was observed in the states of the Northeast region, and the highest expenses in the states from the South. The burden and cost values varied by sex, age group, and state. CONCLUSION: The study showed that alcohol consumption has a significant impact on Brazilian population morbidity and mortality and SUS expenditures, especially among men. These results can support policies for the prevention and control of alcohol consumption and health promotion at the subnational level, prioritizing strategies that are more appropriate to local realities.

[Effectiveness of the CNIC polypill in secondary cardiovascular prevention in the subgroup of patients of the NEPTUNO study using atorvastatin doses of 20 mg]. / Efectividad de la polipíldora CNIC en prevención cardiovascular secundaria en el subgrupo de pacientes del estudio NEPTUNO con dosis de atorvastatina de 20 mg.

Objective: To analyse the incidence and risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), level of risk factor control, treatment persistence and cost of the CNIC polypill version containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 100 mg, atorvastatin 20 mg (A20), and ramipril 2.5, 5.0 or 10 mg in secondary cardiovascular prevention patients. Method: Subanalysis of the observational, retrospective, multicentre, NEPTUNO study in patients treated for two years with the CNIC polypill A20, the same monocomponents as single drugs, equipotent drugs, and other therapies. Results: 922 patients were included in each group. The risk of recurrent MACE was lower among CNIC A20 polypill users than all others (21%, 23% and 26% increased risk among the monocomponents, equipotent or other therapy cohorts, respectively; p < 0.05). The magnitude of the mean change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the increase in the proportion of patients achieving target goals, was also greater among patients treated with the CNIC A20 polypill than in any of the other cohorts (all p < 0.001). Treatment persistence was significantly higher in patients treated with the CNIC A20 polypill (p < 0.001) and was a less costly strategy than any other therapeutic option. Conclusions: In patients in secondary cardiovascular prevention, the CNIC A20 polypill (ASA 100 mg, atorvastatin 20 mg, and ramipril 2.5, 5.0 or 10 mg) constitutes a valid therapeutic option with similar benefits and outcomes to the version of the polypill with atorvastatin 40 mg.

Objetivo: Analizar la incidencia y el riesgo de eventos adversos cardiovasculares mayores (MACE) recurrentes, el nivel de control de factores de riesgo, la persistencia al tratamiento y el coste de la versión de la polipíldora CNIC que contiene 100 mg de ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS), 20 mg de atorvastatina (A20) y 2.5/5.0 ó 10 mg de ramipril en pacientes en prevención cardiovascular secundaria. Método: Subanálisis del estudio observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico NEPTUNO en pacientes tratados durante 2 años con la polipíldora CNIC A20, los mismos monocomponentes por separado, medicamentos equipotentes uotras terapias. Resultados: Se incluyeron 922 pacientes en cada grupo. El riesgo de sufrir un MACE recurrente en el grupode polipíldora CNIC A20 fue menor que en todas las demás cohortes (21%, 23% y 26% de aumento del riesgo en las cohortesde monocomponentes, equipotentes u otras terapias, respectivamente; p < 0.05). La magnitud del cambio en el colesterol unidoa lipoproteínas de baja densidad y la presión arterial, así como el incremento en la proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron losobjetivos establecidos, fueron mayores en los pacientes tratados con la polipíldora CNIC A20 que en cualquiera de las otrascohortes (p < 0.001). La persistencia al tratamiento fue mayor en los pacientes tratados con la polipíldora CNIC A20 (p < 0.001)y esta estrategia resultó ser menos costosa que cualquier otra opción terapéutica. Conclusiones: En pacientes en prevencióncardiovascular secundaria, la polipíldora CNIC A20 (AAS 100 mg; atorvastatina 20 mg; ramipril 2.5/5.0 ó 10 mg) constituye unaopción terapéutica válida con beneficios y resultados similares a la versión de la polipíldora con 40 mg de atorvastatina.

Efetividade e custos de modelos de cuidados transitórios em atenção domiciliar: revisão integrativa / Effectiveness and costs of transitional care models in home care: integrative review / Eficacia y costes de los modelos de cuidados transitorios en la atención domiciliaria: revisión integradora

Objetivo: analisar efetividade e custos de modelos de cuidados transitórios em atenção domiciliar de pacientes com condições agudas e crônicas comparados a outras modalidades. Método: revisão integrativa de uma amostra de 18 artigos dentre os 278 pesquisados em sete bases de dados. Resultados: Destacaram-se, em 15 modelos de cuidados transitórios, os de: reabilitação; terapêuticas parenterais; acompanhamento de doenças crônicas; pós-operatórios e internação domiciliar. Foram efetivos para tratar condições agudas ou crônicas agudizadas; simplificar acesso a hospital; prevenir readmissões; reduzir tempo de internação; ampliar adesão em reabilitação ambulatorial, reduzir mortalidade e melhorar estado emocional/sobrecarga do cuidador. O principal componente de custo foi os valores de diárias. Em nove estudos, os modelos significaram quedas no custo geral com internação. Conclusão: Cuidados transitórios em Atenção Domiciliar possibilitam a continuidade do tratamento com efetividade e economia para provedores e sistemas de saúde

Objective: to analyze the effectiveness and costs of transitional care models in home care of patients with acute and chronic conditions compared with other modalities. Method:integrative review of a sample of 18 articles among the 278 searched in seven databases. Results: among 15 transitional care models, the following stood out: rehabilitation; parenteral therapies; chronic disease follow-up; postoperative care; and home hospitalization. They were effective in treating acute or chronic conditions; simplifying access to hospital; preventing readmissions; reducing length of stay; increasing adherence to outpatient rehabilitation, reducing mortality, and improving emotional status/caregiver burden. The main cost component was per diem rates. In nine studies, the models meant decreases in overall hospitalization costs. Conclusion: transitional care in home care enables effective and cost-efficient continuity of care for providers and health systems.

Objetivo: analizar la efectividad y los costes de los modelos de cuidados transitorios en la atención domiciliaria de pacientes con patologías agudas y crónicas en comparación con otras modalidades. Método: revisión integradora en una muestra de 18 artículos, entre 278 encontrados en siete bases de datos. Resultados: Entre los 15 modelos de cuidados transitorios destacaron los siguientes: rehabilitación; terapias parenterales; seguimiento de enfermedades crónicas; cuidados postoperatorios; y hospitalización a domicilio. Los modelos fueron eficaces para tratar enfermedades agudas o crónicas; simplificar el acceso al hospital; prevenir los reingresos; reducir la duración de la estancia; aumentar la adherencia a la rehabilitación ambulatoria; reducir la mortalidad; y mejorar el estado emocional/la carga para los cuidadores. El principal componente de coste fueron las tarifas diarias. En nueve estudios, los modelos resultaron en una disminución de los costes generales de hospitalización. Conclusión: Los cuidados de transición en la atención domiciliaria permiten una continuidad asistencial eficaz y rentable para los proveedores y los sistemas sanitarios

Oncology drug pricing: potential Medicare savings on cancer-directed and supportive care medications through the Mark Cuban cost plus drug model.

Prescription drug costs within oncology remain a challenge for many patients with cancer. The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) launched in 2022, aiming to provide transparently priced medications at reduced costs. In this study, we sought to describe the potential impact of MCCPDC on Medicare Part-D oncology spending related to cancer-directed (n = 7) and supportive care (n = 26) drugs. We extracted data for drug-specific Part-D claims and spending for 2021. Using 90-count purchases from MCCPDC, we found potential Part-D savings of $857.8 million (91% savings) across the 7 cancer-directed drugs and $28.7 million (67% savings) across 21/26 (5/26 did not demonstrate savings) supportive care drugs. Collectively, our findings support that alternative purchasing models like MCCPDC may promote substantial health care savings.

Costo en el cuidado de enfermería a personas con úlcera vascular venosa / Cost of nursing care for patients with venous vascular ulcer / Custo dos cuidados de enfermagem as pessoas com úlcera vascular venosa

Introducción: El cuidado de las úlceras vasculares venosas se ha considerado un problema de salud pública por su alta incidencia e impacto social y económico que genera. Objetivo: Determinar los costos directos del cuidado de enfermería en personas con úlcera vascular venosa atendidas por un prestador de servicios de salud en la ciudad de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, realizado entre el 1 enero de 2019 y el 31 de enero de 2020; el cual se basó, en la revisión de historias clínicas de personas con úlcera vascular venosa. La muestra estuvo conformada por 52 historias clínicas, seleccionadas mediante un instrumento de valoración de enfermería. Las variables que se analizaron fueron la edad y el sexo, utilizando estadística descriptiva y el análisis del costo. Resultados: El sexo predominante fue el femenino (69,24%) y la edad promedio de 64 años. El costo directo fue de 70.109.504.76 COP y la estimación promedio 1.348.259 COP, valor que incluyó el costo de apósitos, elastocompresión, limpieza y consulta. Conclusión: Los costos en el cuidado de las úlceras vasculares venosas están inmersos en los paquetes de atención, que incluyen los costos de curación y consulta; sin embargo, no son explícitos para enfermería.

Introduction: The venous vascular ulcers care has become a public health problem due to its high incidence and the social and economic impact it causes. Objective: To determine the direct costs of nursing care of people with venous vascular ulcers treated at a health service provider facility in Bogota, Colombia. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, retrospective study carried out between January 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020, which focused on the review of medical records of patients with venous vascular ulcer. The sample included 52 medical records that were selected through a nursing assessment instrument. The variables of age and gender were analyzed through descriptive statistics and cost analysis. Results: Female was the predominant gender (69.24%) and the average age was 64 years. The direct cost was $70.109.504.76 COP, whereas the average estimate was $1.348.259 COP, which included the cost of dressings, elastocompression, cleaning, and consultation. Conclusion: The costs of venous vascular ulcers care are included in the care packages, which include costs of healing and consultation. Nevertheless, they are not explicit for nursing.

Introdução: O atendimento às úlceras vasculares venosas tem sido considerado um problema de saúde pública devido à alta incidência e ao impacto social e econômico que gera. Objetivo: Determinar os custos diretos da assistência de enfermagem a pessoas com úlceras vasculares venosas atendidas por um serviço de saúde na cidade de Bogotá. Materiais e métodos: Estudo observacional, descritivo, retrospectivo, realizado entre 1º de janeiro de 2019 e 31 de janeiro de 2020; que se baseou na revisão de prontuários de pessoas com úlcera vascular venosa. A amostra foi composta por 52 prontuários, selecionados por meio de instrumento de avaliação de enfermagem. As variáveis analisadas foram idade e sexo, por meio de estatística descritiva e análise de custos. Resultados: O sexo predominante foi o feminino (69,24%) e a média de idade foi de 64 anos. O custo direto foi de 70.109.504,76 COP e a estimativa média foi de 1.348.259 COP, valor que incluiu o custo de curativos, elastocompressão, limpeza e consulta. Conclusão: Os custos no cuidado das úlceras vasculares venosas estão embutidos nos pacotes de cuidados, que incluem os custos de cura e consulta; entretanto, não são explícitos para a enfermagem.

Hospital care direct costs due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions related to diabetes mellitus in the Mexican public healthcare system.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) incur substantial costs on the health system that could be partially avoided with adequate outpatient care. Complications of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), are considered ACSC. Previous studies have shown that hospitalizations due to diabetes have a significant financial burden. In Mexico, DM is a major health concern and a leading cause of death, but there is limited evidence available. This study aimed to estimate the direct costs of hospitalizations by DM-related ACSC in the Mexican public health system. METHODS: We selected three hospitals from each of Mexico's main public institutions: the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE). We employed a bottom-up microcosting approach from the healthcare provider perspective to estimate the total direct costs of hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC. Input data regarding length of stay (LoS), consultations, medications, colloid/crystalloid solutions, procedures, and laboratory/medical imaging studies were obtained from clinical records of a random sample of 532 hospitalizations out of a total of 1,803 DM-related ACSC (ICD-10 codes) discharges during 2016. RESULTS: The average cost per DM-related ACSC hospitalization varies among institutions, ranging from $1,427 in the MoH to $1,677 in the IMSS and $1,754 in the ISSSTE. The three institutions' largest expenses are LoS and procedures. Peripheral circulatory and renal complications were the major drivers of hospitalization costs for patients with DM-related ACSC. Direct costs due to hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC in these three institutions represent 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) dedicated to health and social services and 2% of total hospital care expenses. CONCLUSIONS: The direct costs of hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC vary considerably across institutions. Disparities in such costs for the same ACSC among different institutions suggest potential disparities in care quality across primary and hospital settings (processes and resource utilization), which should be further investigated to ensure optimal supply utilization. Prioritizing preventive measures for peripheral circulatory and renal complications in DM patients could be highly beneficial.

Comprehensive value implications of surgeon volume for lung cancer surgery: Use of an analytic framework within a regional health system.

Objective: We used a framework to assess the value implications of thoracic surgeon operative volume within an 8-hospital health system. Methods: Surgical cases for non-small cell lung cancer were assessed from March 2015 to March 2021. High-volume (HV) surgeons performed >25 pulmonary resections annually. Metrics include length of stay, infection rates, 30-day readmission, in-hospital mortality, median 30-day charges and direct costs, and 3-year recurrence-free and overall survival. Multivariate regression-based propensity scores matched patients between groups. Metrics were graphed on radar charts to conceptualize total value. Results: All 638 lung resections were performed by 12 surgeons across 6 hospitals. Two HV surgeons performed 51% (n = 324) of operations, and 10 low-volume surgeons performed 49% (n = 314). Median follow-up was 28.8 months (14.0-42.3 months). Lobectomy was performed in 71% (n = 450) of cases. HV surgeons performed more segmentectomies (33% [n = 107] vs 3% [n = 8]; P < .001). Patients of HV surgeons had a lower length of stay (3 [2-4] vs 5 [3-7]; P < .001) and infection rates (0.6% [n = 1] vs 4% [n = 7]; P = .03). Low-volume and HV surgeons had similar 30-day readmission rates (14% [n = 23] vs 7% [n = 12]; P = .12), in-hospital mortality (0% [n = 0] vs 0.6% [n = 1]; P = .33), and oncologic outcomes; 3-year recurrence-free survival was 95% versus 91%; P = .44, and 3-year overall survival was 94% versus 90%; P = 0. Charges were reduced by 28%, and direct costs were reduced by 23% (both P < .001) in the HV cohort. Conclusions: HV surgeons provide comprehensive value across a health system. This multidomain framework can be used to help drive oncologic care decisions within a health system.

Economic impact of informal care of cancer patients at the end of life.

BACKGROUND: Economic analysis of the incorporation of palliative care (PC) programs allows for assessment of the potential financial impact of shifting activity from secondary care to primary, community and social care sectors. Only 14% of patients in need of PC in Argentina have access to PC services, similar to the world average, as estimated by World Health Organization (WHO). The economic impact of family care, which falls mainly on women, needs to be assessed at the public policy and research levels. We aimed to estimate and make visible the economic impact of unpaid care tasks developing a cost-effectiveness analytic model of a home-based PC program for cancer patients at the end of life from a social perspective (SP) in the province of Río Negro, Argentina. METHODS: A Markov model was developed from a SP to assess the cost-effectiveness of palliative home care compared to the usual care (UC) of cancer patients. The model compares the provision of PC through a home-based program with the UC that patients receive at the end of life. The average cost per patient, percentage of home deaths, days at home in the last year of life and the economic impact of formal and informal care were estimated using the human capital approach for 2019. RESULTS: palliative home care was cost-saving, leading to a 10.32% increase in home deaths, a decrease of 9 days of hospitalisation and an annual saving for society of USD 750 per patient. From a societal perspective, the largest cost-driver corresponds to informal care provided mainly by families, which accounted for 82% and 88% of the total daily cost of PC and UC strategy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of PC can improve the allocation of resources between the different levels of care. The visualisation of care tasks becomes particularly relevant when considering public policies and outcomes. Incorporating palliative home care strategies could alleviate the enormous costs faced by patients' families, especially women, in this stage of care.

Estimation of antimicrobial costs in cases of surgical site infection / Estimación de los costes antimicrobianos en casos de infección del sitio quirúrgico / Estimativa dos custos com antimicrobianos em casos de infecção de sítio cirúrgico

Objective: To estimate the costs of antimicrobials in patients with surgical site infections (SSI). Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with retrospective documentary analysis conducted at a tertiary public hospital with seven surgical rooms, averaging 750 surgeries per month.The micro-costing method used was the average direct cost of antibiotics, excluding intraoperative prophylactic antibiotics. Hospital infection investi-gation records were analyzed, and the study included records of patients diagnosed with confirmed surgical site infections (n=79) in 2021. Clinical data and direct costs of antimicrobials were examined. Results: The infection rate in this study was 6.76%. The specialties with the highest representation were digestive system and urological surgeries. Vancomycin was the most used antimicrobial, resulting in a total expenditure of R$ 7,345.68. Tigecycline incurred the highest total cost, amounting to R$ 79,655.52. Antimicrobials used to treat the 79 confirmed cases of SSIs totaled R$ 211,790.21 in costs. Conclusion: The average cost of antimicrobials per patient with SSI, considering total hospitalization days, was R$ 2,680.88, a significant component of total treatment costs. It is recommended to include cost analysis in the planning of hospital infection protocols. (AU)

Objetivo: Estimar los costos de los antimicrobianos en pacientes con infecciones del sitio quirúrgico (ISQ). Método: Este es un estudio descrip-tivo, transversal con análisis documental retrospectivo realizado en un hospital público terciario con siete salas quirúrgicas, con un promedio de 750 ciru-gías por mes. Se utilizó el método de microcosteo, calculando el costo directo promedio de los antibióticos, excluyendo los utilizados como profilaxis intraoperatoria. Se analizaron registros de investigación de infecciones hospitalarias, incluyendo pacientes diagnosticados con ISQ confirmadas (n=79) en 2021. Se examinaron datos clínicos y costos directos de los antimicrobianos. Resultados: La tasa de infección en este estudio fue del 6.76%. Las espe-cialidades con mayor representación fueron cirugías del sistema digestivo y urológicas. El antimicrobiano más utilizado fue la vancomicina, con un gasto total de R$ 7,345.68. Tigeciclina tuvo el costo total más alto, alcanzando R$ 79,655.52. Los antimicrobianos utilizados para tratar los 79 casos confirma-dos de ISQ sumaron R$ 211,790.21 en costos. Conclusión: El costo promedio de los antimicrobianos por paciente con ISQ, considerando los días totales de hospitalización, fue de R$ 2,680.88, un componente significativo de los costos totales de tratamiento. Se recomienda incluir análisis de costos en la planificación de protocolos de infección hospitalaria. (AU)

Objetivo: Estimar os custos com antimicrobianos em pacientes com infecções de sítio cirúrgico. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, trans-versal, com análise documental retrospectiva, realizado em um hospital público terciário, com sete salas cirúrgicas, onde se realizam em média 750 cirur-gias mensais. O método de microcusteio utilizado foi o custo direto médio dos antibióticos, não sendo incluído antibiótico profilático no intraoperatório. Analisaram-se as fichas de investigação de infecção hospitalar e foram incluídas no estudo as fichas de pacientes que tiveram o diagnóstico de infecção de sítio cirúrgico confirmado (n=79) em 2021. Foram verificados os dados clínicos e apenas os custos diretos com os antimicrobianos. Resultados: A taxa dessas infecções neste estudo foi de 6,76%. As especialidades com maior representatividade foram cirurgias do aparelho digestivo e urológicas. O antimi-crobiano mais utilizado foi a Vancomicina, resultando no gasto total de R$ 7.345,68. O medicamento que gerou maior custo total foi a Tigeciclina, que representou R$ 79.655,52. Os antimicrobianos utilizados para tratar dos 79 casos confirmados de ISCs totalizaram o custo de R$ 211.790,21. Conclusão: A média de custo com antimicrobiano por paciente com ISC, no total de dias internados, foi de R$ 2.680,88, valor considerado representativo no custo total do tratamento. Recomenda-se a inclusão de análise de custos no planejamento de protocolos de infecção hospitalar. (AU)

Sedentary behavior, abdominal obesity and healthcare costs in Brazilian adults with cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Research on the economic burden of sedentary behavior and abdominal obesity on health expenses associated with cardiovascular diseases is scarce. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify whether sedentary behavior, isolated and combined with abdominal obesity, influences the medication expenditure among adults with cardiovascular diseases. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of President Prudente, State of São Paulo, Brazil in 2018. METHODS: The study included adults with cardiovascular diseases, aged 30-65 years, who were treated by the Brazilian National Health Services. Sedentary behavior was assessed using a questionnaire. Abdominal obesity was defined by waist circumference. Medication expenditures were verified using the medical records of each patient. RESULTS: The study included a total of 307 adults. Individuals classified in the group with risk factor obesity combined (median [IQ] USD$ 29.39 [45.77]) or isolated (median [IQ] USD$ 27.17 [59.76]) to sedentary behavior had higher medication expenditures than those belonging to the non-obese with low sedentary behavior group (median [IQ] USD$ 13.51 [31.42]) (P = 0.01). The group with combined obesity and sedentary behavior was 2.4 (95%CI = 1.00; 5.79) times more likely to be hypertensive. CONCLUSION: Abdominal obesity was a determining factor for medication expenses, regardless of sedentary behavior, among adults with cardiovascular diseases.

Impact of cycling and walking on adiposity and healthcare costs among adults: longitudinal study / Impacto do ciclismo e da caminhada na adiposidade e nos custos de saúde em adultos: estudo longitudinal / Impacto de andar en bicicleta y caminar sobre la adiposidad y los costos de salud en adultos: estudio longitudinal

Abstract: Leisure-time physical activity seems relevant to prevent the development of chronic diseases and obesity. However, not much is known about the economic burden of these healthy behaviors, mainly in longitudinal designs. This study aimed to analyze the impact of walking and cycling on leisure-time on adiposity and healthcare costs among adults. This longitudinal study was conducted at a medium-size Brazilian city and included 198 participants with no missing data attended in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Cycling and walking were assessed by a questionnaire with a face-to-face interview at four time-points (baseline, 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month). Healthcare costs were assessed using medical records. Adiposity markers included waist circumference and body fatness. Over the follow-up period, participants who were more engaged in cycling presented lower body fatness (p-value = 0.028) and healthcare costs (p-value = 0.038). However, in the multivariate model, the impact of cycling on costs was not significant (p-value = 0.507) due to the impact of number of chronic diseases (p-value = 0.001). Cycling on leisure-time is inversely related to adiposity in adults, whereas its role on preventing chronic diseases seems the main pathway linking it to cost mitigation.

Resumo: A atividade física no lazer parece relevante para prevenir o desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas e obesidade. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre o impacto econômico destes comportamentos saudáveis, principalmente em estudos longitudinais. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto da caminhada e do ciclismo como atividades de lazer na adiposidade e nos custos de saúde em adultos. Este estudo longitudinal foi realizado em uma cidade brasileira de médio porte e incluiu 198 participantes sem dados indisponíveis atendidos no Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro. A caminhada e o ciclismo foram avaliados por meio de questionário e entrevista presencial em quatro momentos (linha de base, 6 meses, 12 meses e 18 meses). Os custos de saúde foram avaliados por meio de prontuários médicos. Os marcadores de adiposidade incluíram circunferência da cintura e gordura corporal. Durante o período de acompanhamento, os participantes que praticavam mais ciclismo apresentaram menos gordura corporal (p = 0,028) e custos de saúde (p = 0,038). Porém, no modelo multivariado, o impacto do ciclismo nos custos deixou de ser significativo (p = 0,507) devido ao impacto do número de doenças crônicas (p = 0,001). O ciclismo no momento de lazer está inversamente relacionado à adiposidade em adultos, enquanto o seu papel na prevenção de doenças crônicas parece ser o principal aspecto que o liga à redução de custos.

Resumen: La actividad física en el ocio parece relevante para prevenir el desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas y la obesidad. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre el impacto económico de estos comportamientos saludables, especialmente en estudios longitudinales. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el impacto de caminar y andar en bicicleta como actividades de ocio sobre la adiposidad y los costos de salud en adultos. Este estudio longitudinal se llevó a cabo en una ciudad brasileña de tamaño mediano e incluyó a 198 participantes sin datos indisponibles atendidos en el Sistema Único de Salud brasileño. Se evaluaron los hábitos de caminar y andar en bicicleta mediante un cuestionario y una entrevista cara a cara en cuatro momentos (inicial, 6 meses, 12 meses y 18 meses). Los costos de atención médica se evaluaron utilizando registros médicos. Los marcadores de adiposidad incluyeron la circunferencia de la cintura y la grasa corporal. Durante el período de seguimiento, los participantes que practicaban más ciclismo presentaron menos grasa corporal (p = 0,028) y costos de salud (p = 0,038). Sin embargo, en el modelo multivariado, el impacto del ciclismo en los costos dejó de ser significativo (p = 0,507) debido al impacto del número de enfermedades crónicas (p = 0,001). El hábito de andar en bicicleta en los momentos de ocio está inversamente relacionado con la adiposidad en los adultos, mientras que su papel en la prevención de enfermedades crónicas parece ser el principal aspecto que lo vincula con la reducción de costos.

Measuring the economic burden of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the economic burden of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in the Colombian context. METHODS: Analyses were conducted from a societal perspective using the prevalence-based approach. Costs were expressed in 2022 US dollars (1 USD = $3,914.46 COP). Direct medical costs were assessed from a bottom-up approach. Indirect costs included loss of productivity of the patient and their caregivers. The economic burden of NMOSD in Colombia was estimated as the sum of direct and indirect costs. RESULTS: The direct cost of treating a patient with NMOSD was USD$ 8,149.74 per year. When projecting costs nationwide, NMOSD would cost USD$ 7.2 million per year. Of these costs, 53.5% would be attributed to relapses and 34.4% to pharmacological therapy. Indirect costs potentially attributed to NMOSD in Colombia were estimated at USD$ 1.5 million per year per cohort. Of these, 78% are attributable to loss of patient productivity, mainly due to reduced access to the labor market and premature mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The NMOSD has a representative economic burden at the patient level, with direct costs, particularly related to relapses and medicines, being the main component of total costs. These findings are useful evidence that requires attention from public policymakers in Colombia.

Clinical and surgical dilemmas in octogenarian patients with small bowel obstruction / Dilemas clínicos e cirúrgicos em pacientes octogenários com obstrução do intestino delgado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a major problem in emergencies. Comorbidities increase morbimortality, which is reflected in higher costs. There is a lack of Latin American evidence comparing the differences in postoperative results and costs associated with SBO management. AIMS: To compare the risk of surgical morbimortality and costs of SBO surgery treatment in patients older and younger than 80 years. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with SBO at the University of Chile Clinic Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017. Patients with any medical treatment were excluded. Parametric statistics were used (a 5% error was considered statistically significant, with a 95% confidence interval). RESULTS: A total of 218 patients were included, of which 18.8% aged 80 years and older. There were no differences in comorbidities between octogenarians and non-octogenarians. The most frequent etiologies were adhesions, hernias, and tumors. In octogenarian patients, there were significantly more complications (46.3 vs. 24.3%, p=0.007, p<0.050). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of surgical complications: 9.6% in <80 years and 14.6% in octogenarians (p=0.390, p>0.050). In medical complications, a statistically significant difference was evidenced with 22.5% in <80 years vs 39.0% in octogenarians (p=0.040, p<0.050). There were 20 reoperated patients: 30% octogenarians and 70% non-octogenarians without statistically significant differences (p=0.220, p>0.050). Regarding hospital stay, the average was significantly higher in octogenarians (17.4 vs. 11.0 days; p=0.005, p<0.050), and so were the costs, being USD 9,555 vs. USD 4,214 (p=0.013, p<0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Patients aged 80 years and older with surgical SBO treatment have a higher risk of medical complications, length of hospital stay, and associated costs compared to those younger.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A obstrução do intestino delgado (OID) é um grande problema em emergências. As comorbidades aumentam a morbimortalidade, o que se reflete no aumento dos custos. Há uma falta de evidência latino-americana comparando as diferenças nos resultados pós-operatórios e custos associados ao manejo da OID. OBJETIVOS: Comparar o risco de morbimortalidade cirúrgica e os custos de tratamento cirúrgico da OID em pacientes com idade inferior e superior a 80 anos. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de pacientes diagnosticados com OID no Hospital Clínico da Universidade do Chile entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2017. Pacientes com qualquer tratamento médico foram excluídos. Estatísticas paramétricas foram usadas: erro de 5% foi considerado estatisticamente significante, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: Um total de 218 pacientes foram incluídos, dos quais 18,8% tinham 80 anos ou mais. Não houve diferenças nas comorbidades entre octogenários e não octogenários. As etiologias mais frequentes foram aderências, hérnias e tumores. Nos pacientes octogenários houve significativamente mais complicações (46,3 vs. 24,3%, p=0,007, p<0,050). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas quanto às complicações cirúrgicas: 9,6% em <80 anos e 14,6% em octogenários (p=0,390, p>0,050). Nas complicações médicas foi evidenciada diferença estatisticamente significativa com 22,5% em <80 anos vs. 39.0% em octogenários (p=0,040, p<0,050). Foram reoperados 20 pacientes: 30% octogenários e 70% não octogenários, sem diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p=0,220, p>0,050). Em relação ao tempo de internação, a média foi significativamente maior nos octogenários (17,4 v/s 11,0 dias; p=0,005, p<0,050). Da mesma forma, também foram os custos com 9.555 USD vs. 4.214 USD (p=0,013, p<0,050). CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com 80 anos ou mais com tratamento cirúrgico de OID têm maior risco de complicações médicas, tempo de internação e custos associados em comparação aos mais jovens.

Economic burden due to COVID-19 in a Colombian Caribbean state, 2020 and 2021 / Carga económica asociada al COVID-19 en un departamento del Caribe colombiano, 2020 e 2021 / Carga econômica associada à covid-19 em um departamento do Caribe colombiano, 2020 e 2021

Abstract Objective: To estimate the economic burden associated with COVID-19 in Córdoba, Colombia, 2020 and 2021. Methods: Economic burden study. Direct costs were analyzed from the third-party payer perspective using healthcare administrative databases and interviews from a cohort of confirmed COVID-19 cases from Córdoba. Costing aggregation was performed by the bottom-up method. Indirect costs were estimated using the productivity loss approach. Contrast tests and statistical models were estimated at 5% significance. Results: We studied 1,800 COVID-19 cases. The average economic cost of COVID-19 per episode was estimated at US$ 2,519 (95%CI 1,980;3,047). The direct medical cost component accounted for 92.9% of the total; out-of-pocket and indirect costs accounted for 2% and 5.1%, respectively. Conclusion: COVID-19 economic cost was mainly due to direct medical costs. This study provided evidence of the economic burden faced by households due to COVID-19, with the most vulnerable households bearing much of the burden on their income.

Resumen Objetivo: Estimar la carga económica asociada al COVID-19 en Córdoba, Colombia, entre 2020 y 2021. Métodos: Estudio de carga económica. Los costos directos se analizaron desde la perspectiva del tercer pagador usando bases de datos administrativas y entrevistas. La agregación del costeo se realizó por el método de bottom-up. Los costos indirectos se estimaron usando el enfoque de pérdida de productividad. Los test de contraste y modelos estadísticos se estimaron al 5% de significancia. Resultados: Se analizaron 1.800 casos de COVID-19. El costo económico promedio por episodio fue US$ 2.519 (IC95% 1.980;3.047). Los costos directos médicos explicaron el 92,9% del total; el gasto de bolsillo y los costos indirectos un 2% y 5,1%, respectivamente. Conclusión: El costo económico del COVID-19 fue principalmente por el costo directo médico. Este estudio evidenció la carga económica que enfrentan los hogares debido al COVID-19, siendo los más vulnerables quienes asumieron la mayor parte en sus ingresos.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a carga econômica associada à covid-19 em Córdoba, Colômbia, entre 2020 e 2021. Métodos: Estudo de avaliação da carga econômica da covid-19. Os custos diretos foram analisados segundo terceiros pagadores, usando-se bases de dados administrativas e entrevistas. A agregação dos custos foi realizada usando-se o método bottom-up. Os custos indiretos foram estimados pela perda de produtividade. Testes de contraste ortogonais e modelos de regressão estatísticos foram estimados com 5% de significância. Resultados: Foram estudadas 1.800 pessoas com covid-19. O custo econômico médio da covid-19 por episódio foi estimado em US$ 2.519 (IC95% 1.980;3.047). O componente de custo médico direto representou 92,9% do total; as despesas diretas e custos indiretos representaram 2,0% e 5,1%, respectivamente. Conclusão: O custo econômico da covid-19 deveu-se principalmente aos custos médicos diretos. Este estudo forneceu avaliações da carga econômica enfrentada pelas famílias devido à covid-19; as mais vulneráveis tiveram grande parte da carga sobre os seus rendimentos.

Cost-effectiveness of two dressings in preventing pressure injuries in intensive care patients / Rentabilidad de dos apósitos en la prevención de lesiones por presión en pacientes de cuidados intensivos / Custo-efetividade de duas coberturas na prevenção de lesão por pressão em pacientes de terapia intensiva

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the cost-effectiveness of using silicone adhesive multilayer foam and transparent polyurethane film in preventing pressure injuries in patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit. Method: this is an economic cost-effectiveness study, developed with public domain data and a rapid literature review, which included three studies developed in Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy and the United States. The searches were carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases. The population was patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The perspective was from the Brazilian Health System, with a time horizon of less than one year. Data was collected and analyzed between March and June 2022. A decision tree model was developed using TreeAge Pro® 2017 software to project economic outcomes of incremental cost and effectiveness, incremental cost per effectiveness, and cost per percentage increase in preventing the development of pressure injuries. Sensitivity analysis was also performed. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards and the Methodological Guideline for Economic Evaluation of the Brazilian Ministry of Health recommendations were adopted. Results: multilayer foam reduces the occurrence of pressure injuries at a lower cost when compared to film, promoting an average saving of R$ 278.78 (US$ 1,393.90) for each patient. Conclusion: multilayer foam was the most cost-effective technology in preventing pressure injuries in Intensive Care Unit patients in the Brazilian Health System.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la costo-efectividad del uso de espuma de poliuretano multicapa con silicona y película de poliuretano transparente en la prevención de lesiones por presión en pacientes ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Método: estudio de costo-efectividad económica, desarrollado con datos de dominio público y una revisión rápida de la literatura, que incluyó tres producciones desarrolladas en Canadá, Reino Unido, Italia y Estados Unidos. Las búsquedas se realizaron en las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane y Scopus. La población fueron pacientes ingresados ​​en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. La perspectiva fue desde el Sistema Único de Salud, con un horizonte temporal inferior a un año. Los datos se recopilaron y analizaron entre marzo y junio de 2022. Se desarrolló un modelo de árbol de decisiones utilizando el software TreeAge Pro® 2017 para proyectar resultados económicos de costo y efectividad incrementales, costo incremental por efectividad y costo por aumento porcentual en la prevención del desarrollo de lesiones por presión. También se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad. Se adoptaron las recomendaciones de los Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standarts y la Guía Metodológica para la Evaluación Económica del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Resultados: la espuma multicapa reduce la aparición de lesiones por presión a un costo menor en comparación con la película, promoviendo un ahorro promedio de R$ 278,78 (US$ 1.393,90) por cada paciente. Conclusión: la espuma multicapa fue la tecnología más costo-efectiva en la prevención de lesiones por presión en pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Sistema Único de Salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o custo-efetividade do uso da espuma multicamadas de poliuretano com silicone e do filme transparente de poliuretano na prevenção de lesões por pressão, em pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Método: estudo econômico de custo-efetividade, desenvolvido com dados de domínio público e de uma revisão rápida da literatura, que incluiu três produções desenvolvidas no Canadá, Reino Unido, Itália e Estados Unidos. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases PubMed, Cochrane e Scopus. A população foi de pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. A perspectiva foi do Sistema Único de Saúde, com horizonte temporal inferior a um ano. Os dados foram coletados e analisados entre março e junho de 2022. Um modelo de árvore de decisão foi desenvolvido por meio do Software TreeAge Pro ® 2017 para projetar resultados econômicos de custos e eficácia incremental, custo incremental por eficácia, e custo por aumento percentual na prevenção do desenvolvimento de lesões por pressão; também foi feita análise de sensibilidade. Adotou-se as recomendações do Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standarts e da Diretriz Metodológica de Avaliação Econômica do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Resultados: a espuma multicamadas reduz a ocorrência de lesão por pressão a um custo inferior quando comparado ao filme, promovendo em média, uma economia de R$ 278,78 (US$ 1.393,90) para cada paciente. Conclusão: a espuma multicamadas apresentou-se como a tecnologia mais custo-efetiva na prevenção de lesão por pressão em pacientes de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Cost and time of hospitalization for elderly people with bone fractures in a reference hospital

ABSTRACT Objective To describe and analyze the aspects regarding the cost and length of stay for elderly patients with bone fractures in a tertiary reference hospital. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study using data obtained from medical records between January and December 2020. For statistical analysis, exploratory analyses, Shapiro-Wilk test, χ2 test, and Spearman correlation were used. Results During the study period, 156 elderly patients (62.2% women) with bone fractures were treated. The main trauma mechanism was a fall from a standing height (76.9%). The most common type of fracture in this sample was a transtrochanteric fracture of the femur, accounting for 40.4% of cases. The mean length of stay was 5.25 days. The total cost varied between R$2,006.53 and R$106,912.74 (average of R$15,695.76) (updated values). The mean daily cost of hospitalization was R$4,478.64. A positive correlation was found between the length of stay and total cost. No significant difference in cost was observed between the two main types of treated fractures. Conclusion Fractures in the elderly are frequent, resulting in significant costs. The longer the hospital stay for treatment, the higher the total cost. No correlation was found between total cost and number of comorbidities, number of medications used, and the comparison between the treatment of transtrochanteric and femoral neck fractures.

Custo Direto com Tecnologias Para Manejo da Colostomia Definitiva em um Serviço Especializado / Direct Cost of Technologies for Management of Definitive Colostomy in a Specialized Service / Costo Directo de Tecnologías Para el Manejo de la Colostomía Definitiva en un Servicio Especializado

Objetivos:Identificar o custo direto de um serviço especializado com o uso de equipamentos coletores e adjuvantes e compará-lo com o custo simulado da autoirrigação intestinal em pessoas com colostomia definitiva. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório conduzido por meio da abordagem quantitativa nos moldes de estudo de casos múltiplos. A amostra por conveniência foi composta de 22 participantes cadastrados em um serviço especializado do norte de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada em prontuários do período de janeiro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020. Resultados: Dos participantes, 59,1% apresentaram complicações relacionadas à estomia e pele periestomia. Em relação aos equipamentos coletores/adjuvantes, o custo variou de 2.340,00 a R$ 5.535,00, custo médio de R$ 4.050,01 e desvio padrão amostral de R$ 770,31. O custo direto médio com autoirrigação de colostomia foi de R$ 3.793,44. Conclusão: O custo direto médio dos equipamentos coletores/adjuvantes foi superior ao da autoirrigação de colostomia, impactado pela presença de complicações e pelo valor do protetor de colostomia.

Objectives:To identify the direct cost of a specialized service with the use of collection equipment and adjuvants and to compare it with the simulated cost of intestinal self-irrigation in people with permanent colostomy. Method: Descriptive-exploratory study conducted through a quantitative approach in the form of multiple-case studies. The convenience sample consisted of 22 participants registered in a specialized service in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection was carried out in medical records from January 2019 to January 2020. Results: Among the participants, 59.1% had complications related to the ostomy and peristomal skin. Regarding collector/adjuvant equipment, the cost ranged from R$ 2,340.00 to R$ 5,535.00, average cost of R$ 4,050.01, and sample standard deviation of R$ 770.31. The average direct cost with colostomy self-irrigation was R$ 3,793.44. Conclusion: The average direct cost of collection/adjuvant equipment was higher than that of colostomy self-irrigation, impacted by the presence of complications and the value of the colostomy protector.

Objetivos:Identificar o custo direto de um serviço especializado com o uso de equipamentos coletores e adjuvantes e compará-lo com o custo simulado da autoirrigação intestinal em pessoas com colostomia definitiva. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório conduzido por meio da abordagem quantitativa nos moldes de estudo de casos múltiplos. A amostra por conveniência foi composta de 22 participantes cadastrados em um serviço especializado do norte de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada em prontuários do período de janeiro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020. Resultados: Dos participantes, 59,1% apresentaram complicações relacionadas à estomia e pele periestomia. Em relação aos equipamentos coletores/adjuvantes, o custo variou de 2.340,00 a R$ 5.535,00, custo médio de R$ 4.050,01 e desvio padrão amostral de R$ 770,31. O custo direto médio com autoirrigação de colostomia foi de R$ 3.793,44. Conclusão: O custo direto médio dos equipamentos coletores/adjuvantes foi superior ao da autoirrigação de colostomia, impactado pela presença de complicações e pelo valor do protetor de colostomia.

Average annual cost of Parkinson's disease in a Brazilian multiethnic population.

INTRODUCTION: With the current demographic transition, it is estimated that by 2050 Brazil will have a population of 90 million people aged 60 years or more, and in parallel Parkinson's disease (PD) will bring a considerable economic burden to our society. Brazil is considered multiracial due to its colonization, generating important social and regional inequalities. Knowing the costs of the PD may aid to improve local public policies. However, in Brazil, no estimates of these values have been made so far. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate direct, indirect, and out-of-pocket costs in Brazilian people with PD (PwP). METHODS: Categorical and numerical data were collected through a customized and standardized cost-related-questionnaire from 1055 PwP nationwide, from 10 tertiary movement disorders centers across all Brazilian regions. RESULTS: The estimated average annual cost of PwP was US$ 4020.48. Direct and indirect costs accounted for 63% and 36% of the total, respectively, and out-of-pocket costs were 49%. There were no evidence of differences in the total cost of PD across the regions of the country; however, differences were reported between the stages of the Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y). CONCLUSION: This data suggests a considerable burden of PD for Brazilian society in general, not only for the public health system, but mainly for those with PD.