Economic and Disease Burden Associated with Invasive Escherichia coli Disease in the United States.

Abstract

Introduction: Invasive Escherichia coli disease (IED) incidence has increased over recent years among aging populations and has rising antimicrobial resistance. Here, we report on a comparative, cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of US patients with IED to quantify IED-related healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), costs, and impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods: This study included Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) members aged ≥ 60 years enrolled between July 2019 and January 2020. Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 had experienced a recent IED episode (≤ 3 weeks before enrollment); Group 2 had experienced a former IED episode (13-18 months before enrollment); Group 3 was at risk with no prior history of IED. Data were collected from electronic hospital records, a patient survey, and the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Mean costs were adjusted according to individual follow-up.

Results: Patient characteristics were generally consistent across Groups 1 (n = 289), 2 (n = 319), and 3 (n = 340). Inpatient hospitalization was observed in 84%, 44%, and 15% of patients in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Mean direct costs per patient (per 30-day follow-up) were $17,168, $2530, and $1094 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Mean total costs per patient in the year following an IED episode (Group 2) were $35,034 vs. $16,163 in the at-risk Group 3. HRQoL was poor for patients with recent IED, with a mean EQ-5D-5L utility index value of 0.25 on the worst day of illness. During a 12-month follow-up period, rehospitalization rates and mean number of antibiotic prescriptions were ~ threefold higher for patients who recovered from IED vs. those at risk.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate substantial short- and long-term impacts of IED on HCRU, IED-related costs, and HRQoL. Additional research is needed to further value the impact of novel IED prevention strategies.