The Cost of ARDS: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Health Economics
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe inflammatory lung condition common in adult intensive care units (ICUs).
• The severity of ARDS and prolonged ICU stays result in substantial resource utilization and healthcare costs.
• Understanding the economic burden of ARDS is crucial for resource allocation and healthcare management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the available cost data associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
• To identify factors influencing the variability in reported ARDS costs across different studies and healthcare settings.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of the economic impact of ARDS for researchers and administrators.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Central, and EconLit databases up to April 29, 2021.
• Inclusion of original publications reporting cost data for adult patients with ARDS.
• Independent data extraction and quality assessment using a modified Quality of Health Economic Studies Instrument.

Main Results:

• A total of 22 publications (49,483 patients) were included in the data extraction.
• Mean inpatient costs for ARDS patients ranged from $8,476 to $547,974 (2021 USD).
• Costs were highest in lower-quality studies, American healthcare systems, and trauma cohorts; outpatient costs were linked to readmission rates and follow-up duration.

Conclusions:

• Significant variability exists in reported cost data for ARDS.
• Study quality, healthcare system, and patient cohort characteristics influence cost estimates.
• This synthesis provides valuable economic insights for managing ARDS patient care.