Cost of managing meningitis and encephalitis among adult patients in the United States of America

Publication Date

2018

Journal Title

Int J Infect Dis

Abstract

© 2018 BioMerieux, Inc. Objective: To determine the associated costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis and encephalitis (ME) in adult patients in the USA. Methods: A retrospective observational study design was used to assess the use and costs of diagnostic tests and antimicrobial treatment and the total hospitalization costs for adult patients with suspected ME, who received a lumbar puncture procedure during an emergency department visit or during the first two service days of an inpatient stay. Related costs were calculated by timing of lumbar puncture performed and infectious etiology. Results: A total 26 429 adult patients with suspected ME diagnosed between 2011 and 2014 were included in the study. The mean hospitalization cost was $15 572 ± 27 168, with antimicrobial medication cost of $1144 ± 4052 and laboratory test cost of $210 ± 244. The total visit cost increased with delayed lumbar puncture procedure, intensive care unit stay, and if the etiology was fungi, arbovirus, or bacteria. Conclusions: Higher diagnostic and treatment costs are associated with a delayed lumbar puncture procedure, the etiological agent, and the requirement for an intensive care unit stay.

Volume Number

71

Pages

117 - 121

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Additional Departments

Molecular Medicine

PMID

29702265

DOI

10.1016/j.ijid.2018.04.799

For the public and Northwell Health campuses

Share

COinS