Bloodstream infections in a German paediatric oncology unit: Prolongation of inpatient treatment and additional costs

Abstract: In this matched cohort study, clinical data from 43 paediatric cancer patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) were compared with 43 thoroughly matched control patients without BSI. BSI led to a median additional length of inpatient treatment of 12 days (IQR 8.5–16 days; P<0.001), accounting for median additional expenses of €4400 (IQR, €3145–5920) per case [6.970 US Dollar (IQR 4.938–9.294)]. Thus, BSI substantially increased financial resources required for inpatient treatment. These data compiled from a paediatric cancer unit may be utilized to estimate the cost–benefit ratio of targeted preventive measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]