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Resource utilization and cost of rheumatic fever
M T Terreri1, M B Ferraz, J Goldenberg
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit/Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|June 21, 2001
Summary
Rheumatic fever (RF) significantly impacts Brazil
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Health Economics
Background:
- Socioeconomic effects of rheumatic fever (RF) in Brazil are not well-documented.
- Rheumatic heart disease is a significant concern in low-income populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate resource utilization and associated costs of RF in a tertiary care center in São Paulo, Brazil.
- To assess direct and indirect costs to patients, families, and society.
Main Methods:
- 100 pediatric RF patients with at least one year follow-up were studied.
- Data collected via questionnaires and patient charts.
- Costs analyzed across public health, health plan, and private systems.
Main Results:
- Mean monthly family income was $625.20; mean disease duration was 3.9 years.
- Significant parental work absenteeism (22.9%) and patient school failure (22%).
- Total societal costs estimated at $124,663 per 100 patients (public system reference).
Conclusions:
- RF and rheumatic heart disease impose a substantial socioeconomic burden in Brazil.
- RF costs represent approximately 1.3% of affected families' annual income.
- Estimated annual societal cost of RF in Brazil exceeds $51 million USD.
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