Cost Analysis of Hospitalization due to Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) in a Public Hospital in Buenos Aires
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Abstract
Introduction: There are no direct cost studies of hospitalization for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Argentina.
Objectives: To determine the direct cost structure for patients hospitalized with IPD at a public hospital in City of Buenos Aires in 2022.
Methods: We evaluated adult patients hospitalized with IPD in 2022 at a public hospital. Diagnosis was confirmed by positive blood cultures for Streptococcus pneumoniae or CSF. Direct costs were determined from the funder's perspective, based on the hospitalization cost model from the Government of the City of Buenos Aires as of June 2024, using an official exchange rate of 918 pesos per dollar.
Results: Of 24 patients with IPD, 83% had pneumonia and 17% had meningitis. The median age was 72 years (IQR 67.5-75); 54% were male; 85% were smokers; and 8.3% had a complete pneumococcal vaccination. A high prevalence of comorbidities was found (median Charlson comorbidity index 6, IQR 5-8). The median length of stay in the emergency room was 1 day (IQR 0.5-1) and 7 days on the ward (4-20). The direct cost was $3,795.91 per patient. The non-modulated direct cost was 25.65% of the total (24.1% for medications; 75.09% for tests).
Conclusion: Patients hospitalized with IPD were mostly men over 70 years old with a high burden of comorbidities. Less than 10% had full vaccine coverage. The direct cost from the funder's perspective was $3,795.9 per patient. A quarter of the cost was not modulated. Measures should be intensified to ensure greater vaccine coverage for the at-risk population.
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