The type of acute heart failure and the costs of hospitalization.

Authors :: Harjola VP
Costa S
Sund R
Ylikangas S
Siirilä-Waris K
Melin J
Peuhkurinen K
Nieminen MS
Source :: International journal of cardiology [Int J Cardiol] 2010 Nov 05; Vol. 145 (1), pp. 103-5. Date of Electronic Publication: 2009 Jun 27.
Publication Year :: 2010
Abstract: Background: The costs of different classes of acute HF (AHF) are not known.<br />Methods: AHF patients (N = 620) were divided in a national, prospective, observational study into five clinical classes: cardiogenic shock, pulmonary oedema, congestive HF, hypertensive HF, and right HF. Index episode and 6-month readmissions were assessed and hospitalization costs were evaluated.<br />Results: The length of index episode, ICU/CCU stay and costs of index episode and cumulative 6-month costs differed significantly between the clinical classes. The highest cumulative 6-month hospitalization costs, 25,963 (15,053-44778) € (mean, 95% confidence interval) incurred in cardiogenic shock, followed by pulmonary oedema, 12,912 (11,006-15,148) €, and congestive HF, 9475 (8550-10,500) €.<br />Conclusions: AHF leads to significant need for hospital care and high costs which differ significantly between clinical classes of AHF.<br /> (Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.)