Clinical outcome and direct economic cost of treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in children older tan 28 days and younger tan five years A multicenter observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is a public health problem mainly affecting children under five. Episodes that require hospitalization generate high institutional financial costs. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical results and the direct cost of CAP treatment in two reference hospitals in Quito-Ecuador.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in children >28 days and <5 years hospitalized in two public health institutions in Quito, Ecuador, with CAP. Variables were: demographic descriptions, clinical outcomes, and cost of treatment. The data are presented with descriptive statistics.

Results: 355 cases were analyzed, 190 men (53.5%). Younger infants had 95 cases (26.8%), older infants 130 cases (36.6%), and schoolchildren 130 cases (36.6%). The main symptoms were hypoxemia in 353 cases (99.4%), tachypnea in 239 cases (67.3%), and tachycardia in 177 cases (49.9%), with mild respiratory difficulties in 268 cases (75.5%). Treatment was mainly with analgesics in 345 cases (97.2%), antibiotics in 335 cases (94.4%), bronchodilator nebulization in 207 cases (58.3), parenteral fluids in 203 cases (57.2%), and oxygen in 107 cases (30.1%). The average cost of hospital care for a CAP was 736.18 ± 320.51 USD. There was no cost difference between institutions (P >0.05).

Conclusion: The health cost of medical care in Ecuador is approximately two minimum living wages, and treatments are adjusted to current medical practice guidelines.