Global & Regional Health Technology Assessment最新文献

Introduction: In Italy, Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL), including Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM), Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL), and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), are among the most common hematologic cancers. These conditions mainly affect the elderly, who often have multiple comorbidities, complicating management and imposing significant burdens on patient quality of life and healthcare systems.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the economic burden of selected B-cell lymphomas in Italy, providing insights for decision-makers to improve patient management and resource allocation.

Method: Data from the Italian Hospital Discharges Records (SDO) and the National Institute for Social Security were analyzed to estimate direct healthcare costs and social security costs from 2016 to 2019.

Results: A total of 93,712 hospital discharges were recorded, with MZL being the most common diagnosis, followed by CLL and WM. Most patients were male, and the 70-79 age group was most prevalent. MZL had the highest costs, followed by CLL and WM. Adverse events notably increased total expenditures, with variations across different pathologies. Direct healthcare costs totaled 533.6 million euros, while social security costs amounted to 240.9 million euros.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant economic burden of selected B-cell lymphomas in Italy. Effective management strategies are crucial for reducing costs and optimizing resource allocation in the healthcare system.

Background: In the Italian healthcare landscape, the management of chronic pathologies is a priority. Often, the elderly patient suffers from several pathologies at once and is commonly on polytherapy: this can easily bring potentially harmful errors in drug therapy. The D.I.Ri.M.O. project took place in an Internal Medicine department and aimed to reduce medication errors and improve the state of health through the Pharmacological Reconciliation procedure.

Methods: From June to October 2022, the team archived therapies for 70 hospitalized patients aged over 65 years and suffering from two or more chronic diseases. For each patient enrolled, the team developed a reconciliation board; afterward, the physician and the pharmacist proceeded to remodulate therapies, especially in those patients with serious interactions.

Results: The team collected 287 drug interactions and then classified them according to the Intercheck Web software classification: 36 class D (very serious), 49 class C (major), 174 class B (moderate), and 28 class A (minor). The modified therapies at discharge were 77.14%. This restriction brought about the removal of unnecessary drugs. After six months, the team observed an improvement in the health conditions of the patients enrolled.

Conclusions: By increasing the patient's awareness and reducing the number of potentially inappropriate prescriptions, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of therapies. It is also possible to look at a saving policy to make the economic resources better allocated.

Introduction: Heart valve diseases constitute a significant public health challenge with substantial clinical and economic implications. The ageing population, coupled with advancements in surgical techniques, has led to increased hospitalizations for cardiac valve interventions over the past decade. Despite progress, the economic burden of heart valve diseases remains underexplored, particularly in the context of the Italian healthcare system. This study aims to comprehensively assess the economic burden of heart valve diseases in Italy through a real-world analysis.

Methods: Using data from the national Italian Hospital Discharge Records (SDO), we identified the number of adult patients undergoing interventions on the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves, along with the associated costs borne by the National Health System. Additionally, we estimated indirect costs by analyzing social security benefit applications related to valve diseases from 2016 to 2019.

Results: A notable rise in hospitalizations for cardiac valve interventions, particularly for the aortic (+53.3%) and mitral valves (+29.5%) was revealed through the study period. In-hospital mortality rates declined, reflecting advancements in perioperative care. The economic burden of heart valve diseases in Italy was substantial, with hospitalization costs reaching €808 million in 2018. Social security benefit applications also increased, adding an annual cost of €29 million.

Conclusions: Heart valve diseases represent a growing clinical and socio-economic challenge in Italy. This study underscores the imperative for a multidisciplinary approach to effectively manage these conditions. Emphasizing prevention, early diagnosis, and timely interventions is crucial to mitigate the economic impact and enhance the quality of life for patients.