Related Experiment Videos
Hospitalization costs associated with leiomyoma
S Z Zhao1, J M Wong, L M Arguelles
1G.D. Searle & Co., Skokie, Illinois 60077, USA.
Clinical Therapeutics
|May 13, 1999
Summary
Uterine leiomyomas are common in women aged over 40 and Black women. Hospitalizations for these benign tumors incur significant costs, with hysterectomy being a common treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Health Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age.
- Understanding their prevalence and associated healthcare costs is crucial for resource allocation and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and economic burden of leiomyoma-related hospitalizations in the United States.
- To analyze demographic factors, treatment patterns, and costs associated with these hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 1991-1992.
- Identified leiomyoma cases using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes (218.0-218.2, 218.9) in women aged 15-64.
- Analyzed demographic characteristics, admission types, length of stay (LOS), total charges, diagnoses, and procedures.
Main Results:
- Leiomyoma diagnoses occurred in 26-28 per 1000 hospital admissions for women aged 15-64.
- Prevalence was highest in women over 40 (65-70%) and Black women (26-27%).
- Intramural leiomyoma was the most common diagnosis; total abdominal hysterectomy was performed in 75% of cases, associated with longer LOS and higher charges.
Conclusions:
- Leiomyoma-related hospitalizations represent a significant healthcare burden, particularly for older and Black women.
- While not the most expensive condition, leiomyomas necessitate costly treatments, impacting the healthcare system.
- Further research into cost-effective management strategies is warranted.