Abstract

GIORGI, Mariano A et al. Hospital Costs Analysis of Heart Failure with Preserved versus Depressed Systolic Function. Rev. argent. cardiol. [online]. 2008, vol.76, n.1, pp.20-26. ISSN 1850-3748.

Background Heart failure (HF) is a health condition of an increasing importance, especially in elder patients. Based on systolic left ventricular function (SLVF), two types of heart failure are recognized (HF with depressed SLVF and with preserved SLVF) with physiopathological and clinical differences. These differences may imply a distinct utilization of health resources. Argentine registries comparing hospital costs of both two types of HF in elder patients have not been performed yet, although HF with preserved SLVF (ejection fraction ≥ 50%) is prevalent in this population. Objectives To analyze hospital costs of these two types of HF in elder patients. Material and methods Data from 133 elder patients admitted with HF were analyzed. The sample was divided according to SLVF; previous and in-hospital characteristics, and total costs were compared from the funder's point of view. Results HF with preserved SLVF was more prevalent (55.6%) in this population, especially in women. No great significant differences were observed between both groups, though patients with depressed SLVF received espironolactone more frequently and were medicated with more drugs. This represented a total cost 27% greater compared with the other group of patients, with an increase in hospitalization duration and in medication costs. Conclusions Although the number of patients included is small, this study shows an approach of the importance of hospital costs in both types of heart failure in elder patients in Argentina, as a way of taking the first step for projecting health costs.

Keywords : Economics; Heart Failure; Congestive; Aged.

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