This study evaluated the epidemiological
behavior of the
hepatitis A in Paraná
state and compared the
costs of the
disease and the
vaccination. This is an epidemiological descriptive study including a pharmacoeconomy
analysis. We collected information in the national database reported cases (SINAN), in the
mortality information system (SIM) and in the
hospital information system (
AIH) among 2000/2003 (Paraná
State Public Health Department). We estimated the
probability of one cohort of
children to acquire
hepatitis A during their lifetime and the
costs with their
treatment. We compared those
costs with the
cost of vaccinating the
children. 14,682
hepatitis A cases were registered during the period studied, and 12,102 (82.4 percent) occurred in the 0-15 years-old
age group. The annual
incidence in the general
population was 37.5/100,000. We observed 20 deaths caused by this
disease; 7 of those occurred by
liver failure. The estimated
costs with the
disease included the
hospital costs,
liver transplantation,
liver failure treatment, and
laboratory tests were high. The
price of the
vaccine is 10 USD/
dose. Two doses are necessary to get the
protection. The results showed a positive
cost - benefit relation when we vaccinate
children. We save 2.26 USD in
treatment for each dollar invested in the
vaccine. Paraná
record high number of
hepatitis A cases each year. We confirmed the positive
cost - benefit relation when we vaccinate
children against
hepatitis A, reducing suffering,
hospitalization,
death and social
costs.
Vaccination against
hepatitis A should be recommended in the routine of
immunization program in Paraná
state.