Primary immunodeficiencies in Chile evaluated through ICD-10 coded hospital admissions

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The epidemiology and hospitalization trends of primary immunodeficiency (PID) in Chile were previously unknown.
• This study aimed to evaluate PID admission trends and patient demographics in Chile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze hospitalization trends and demographic characteristics of primary immunodeficiency (PID) admissions in Chile between 2001 and 2010.
• To identify potential socioeconomic disparities in PID treatment access.

Main Methods:

• Utilized national hospital discharge databases to review PID admissions (ICD-10 codes D70.0, D70.4, D71, 72.0, D76.1, D80-D84, E70.3, G11.3) from 2001 to 2010.
• Analyzed 5486 PID admissions, focusing on patient demographics, length of stay, and diagnostic codes.

Main Results:

• PID accounted for 0.03% of total admissions; 58.5% were male and 66.3% were under 18.
• A significant increase in PID admission rates and one-day hospitalizations was observed (P≤0.001).
• Increasing PID admission rates were significant for privately insured patients (P≤0.001) but not publicly insured (P=0.079), suggesting socioeconomic disparities.

Conclusions:

• Chile experienced an increasing trend in PID admissions over a decade, primarily due to short hospitalizations, potentially linked to improved IVIG access.
• Higher admission rates in privately insured patients indicate socioeconomic disparities in accessing PID treatment.
• ICD-10 coded hospital discharge data are valuable for tracking PID hospitalization trends globally.