WHAT IS THE COST OF ONE DAY OF TREATMENT FOR PEDIATRIC SEPSIS?

This study assessed the cost range associated with the treatment of pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis and severe sepsis. In Ukraine, attention to pediatric sepsis has increased: clinical guidelines have been published and official protocols approved. However, to date, no cost analyses of hospitalization and treatment for children with such a severe condition have been performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the current expenses associated with the treatment of severe sepsis in children and to explore potential strategies for reducing the total cost of hospitalization. While it is recognized that the care and treatment of these patients incurs substantial economic costs, quantifying these expenses remains essential. Materials and Methods. This single-center study was conducted at a supracluster hospital serving as a medical hub for a large region. The cost assessment of sepsis treatment considered a wide range of variables contributing to the total expenditure. Calculations were performed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), where children with severe sepsis were managed. The analysis was prospective, based on medical records of children aged 3 to 5 years, with all cost components included to determine the comprehensive treatment cost. Expenses were calculated per day of PICU stay, allowing for a more accurate estimation of the total cost of care for a child with sepsis. Results. The median daily cost of treating sepsis or severe sepsis was 36,366.0 Ukrainian hryvnia. The overall expenditure was largely influenced by the timing of the child’s admission to the PICU. Variability in costs primarily stemmed from differences in expenditures on pharmaceuticals, including infusion solutions and other medications. The discrepancy between the minimum and maximum costs of pharmacological treatment amounted to 8,534.0 hryvnia and was directly correlated with the severity of the patient’s condition. Conclusions. Currently, the modern treatment of pediatric sepsis represents a significant economic burden for healthcare institutions. Large-scale, multicenter studies evaluating the cost of treating pediatric patients across various age groups and facilities are urgently needed. Additionally, the development of strategies for early diagnosis and timely hospitalization of children with sepsis is essential, as such measures may significantly reduce the overall healthcare expenditure associated with this condition.