RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Several clinical studies have demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of machine perfusion in liver transplantation, although its economic outcomes are still underexplored. This review aimed to examine the costs related to machine perfusion and its associated outcomes. METHODS: Expert opinion of several groups representing different machine perfusion modalities. Critical analysis of the published literature reporting the economic outcomes of the most used techniques of machine perfusion in liver transplantation (normothermic and hypothermic ex situ machine perfusion and in situ normothermic regional perfusion). RESULTS: Machine perfusion costs include disposable components of the perfusion device, perfusate components, personnel and facility fees, and depreciation of the perfusion device or device lease fee. The limited current literature suggests that although this upfront cost varies between perfusion modalities, its use is highly likely to be cost-effective. Optimization of the donor liver utilization rate, local conditions of transplant programs (long waiting list times and higher MELD scores), a decreased rate of complications, changes in logistics, and length of hospital stay are potential cost savings points that must highlight the expected benefits of this intervention. An additional unaccounted factor is that machine perfusion optimizing donor organ utilization allows patients to be transplanted earlier, avoiding clinical deterioration while on the waiting list and the costs associated with hospital admissions and other required procedures. CONCLUSION: So far, the clinical benefits have guided machine perfusion implementation in liver transplantation. Albeit there is data suggesting the economic benefit of the technique, further investigation of its costs to healthcare systems and society and associated outcomes is needed.
Assuntos
Transplante de Fígado/economia , Perfusão/economia , Análise Custo-Benefício , Humanos , Transplante de Fígado/métodos , Perfusão/métodos , Obtenção de Tecidos e Órgãos/economia , Obtenção de Tecidos e Órgãos/métodosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Vascular and biliary complications associated with liver transplants involve high morbidity and mortality as well as cost overrun for health systems. Efforts to prioritize their prevention require not only clinical information but also information on costs that reflect the economic burden on health systems. The objective of this study was to describe cost overrun incurred from early vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant. METHODS: This cases series included liver transplant patients treated at the San Vicente Foundation University Hospital, Rionegro, Antioquia, from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018. All liver transplant patients treated during the above period were included; the absence of clinical records on the variables of interest was considered the exclusion criterion. A probabilistic analysis of patient cost was performed. Monte Carlo simulations as well as a 1-way sensitivity analysis per transplant cost component were performed. RESULTS: Records from 154 patients were assessed. The average patient age was 56.9 (SD 10.9) years; 42.9% of patients were women. Of all, 36.4% patients were classified as Child C, and the average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 19.6. The average cost for patients without complications was $27 834.82, whereas that for patients with early vascular complications was $36 747.83 and for those with early biliary complications was $38 523.74. CONCLUSION: Early vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant increase healthcare costs, with the increase being significant in patients with biliary complications.
Assuntos
Doenças Biliares/etiologia , Custos de Cuidados de Saúde/normas , Transplante de Fígado/efeitos adversos , Doenças Vasculares/etiologia , Idoso , Doenças Biliares/economia , Doenças Biliares/epidemiologia , Colômbia/epidemiologia , Feminino , Custos de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Hospitais/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Fígado/fisiopatologia , Transplante de Fígado/economia , Transplante de Fígado/métodos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Retrospectivos , Doenças Vasculares/economia , Doenças Vasculares/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The number of liver transplantations is increasing worldwide, and Brazil ranks in the second position. It has one of the biggest public health care systems, which is responsible for the coordination and financial funding of transplantation procedures. Meeting the demands of such a large system of transplantation has become a challenge, particularly when attempting to minimize costs of scarce and expensive resources. The aim of this study was to investigate the process of donation, the retrieval of organs, and the transplantation itself using engineering methods based on logistics analyses. METHODS: Three steps were used: study planning, data gathering, and data analysis. Researchers surveyed professionals to acquire raw information based on their observations, experience, and knowledge. Then, a data analysis was conducted, putting together all the information gathered during the previous steps. Bias was removed, and conflicting perceptions were resolved in order to have a standard view on the transplantation process. RESULTS: Data was gathered between 2014 and 2018 and included 5502 liver donors and 2678 (48.7%) patients who received liver transplants organs. A total of 2824 organs were refused because of logistics issues (transport and handling). Interviews of health care professionals enabled the design of a process map in which 4 stakeholders were identified: patient, physician, organ, and information. CONCLUSIONS: The liver transplantation process is analyzed based on a supply chain methodology applying this knowledge and putting together medical and engineering sciences to promote better efficiency and outcomes for the transplantation program. Future studies should focus on the implementation of these ideas aiming to promote optimization gains in any step of the process.
Assuntos
Doença Hepática Terminal/cirurgia , Transplante de Fígado/economia , Obtenção de Tecidos e Órgãos/organização & administração , Transplantes/provisão & distribuição , Brasil , Humanos , Modelos Organizacionais , Avaliação de Processos e Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Período Pós-Operatório , Obtenção de Tecidos e Órgãos/economia , Listas de EsperaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Over the next 20 years, the number of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation (LTx) is expected to increase by 23%, while pre-LTx costs should raise by 83%. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate direct medical costs of the pre-LTx period from the perspective of a tertiary care center. METHODS: The study included 104 adult patients wait-listed for deceased donor LTx between October 2012 and May 2016 whose treatment was fully provided at the study transplant center. Clinical and economic data were obtained from electronic medical records and from a hospital management software. Outcomes of interest and costs of patients on the waiting list were compared through the Kruskal-Wallis test. A generalized linear model with logit link function was used for multivariate analysis. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The costs of patients who underwent LTx ($8,879.83; 95% CI 6,735.24-11,707.27; P<0.001) or who died while waiting ($6,464.73; 95% CI 3,845.75-10,867.28; P=0.04) were higher than those of patients who were excluded from the list for any reason except death ($4,647.78; 95% CI 2,469.35-8,748.04; P=0.254) or those who remained on the waiting list at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although protocols of inclusion on the waiting list vary among transplant centers, similar approaches exist and common problems should be addressed. The results of this study may help centers with similar socioeconomic realities adjust their transplant policies.
Assuntos
Custos de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Falência Hepática/cirurgia , Transplante de Fígado/economia , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Transplante de Fígado/estatística & dados numéricos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Retrospectivos , Listas de EsperaRESUMO
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Over the next 20 years, the number of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation (LTx) is expected to increase by 23%, while pre-LTx costs should raise by 83%. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate direct medical costs of the pre-LTx period from the perspective of a tertiary care center. METHODS: The study included 104 adult patients wait-listed for deceased donor LTx between October 2012 and May 2016 whose treatment was fully provided at the study transplant center. Clinical and economic data were obtained from electronic medical records and from a hospital management software. Outcomes of interest and costs of patients on the waiting list were compared through the Kruskal-Wallis test. A generalized linear model with logit link function was used for multivariate analysis. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The costs of patients who underwent LTx ($8,879.83; 95% CI 6,735.24-11,707.27; P<0.001) or who died while waiting ($6,464.73; 95% CI 3,845.75-10,867.28; P=0.04) were higher than those of patients who were excluded from the list for any reason except death ($4,647.78; 95% CI 2,469.35-8,748.04; P=0.254) or those who remained on the waiting list at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although protocols of inclusion on the waiting list vary among transplant centers, similar approaches exist and common problems should be addressed. The results of this study may help centers with similar socioeconomic realities adjust their transplant policies.
RESUMO CONTEXTO: Nos próximos 20 anos, estima-se um aumento de 23% no número de pacientes em lista de espera para transplante de fígado (TxF) e de 83% nos custos no período pré-TxF. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os custos médicos diretos do período pré-TxF sob a perspectiva de um centro de atenção terciária. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 104 adultos em lista de espera para TxF, com doador falecido, entre outubro de 2012 e maio de 2016, tratados integralmente no centro transplantador do estudo. Dados clínicos e econômicos foram obtidos do prontuário eletrônico e do software de gestão hospitalar. Os desfechos de interesse e os custos dos pacientes em lista de espera foram comparados através do teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Um modelo linear generalizado com função de ligação logarítmica foi utilizado para a análise multivariável. Valores de P<0.05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Os custos com pacientes submetidos a TxF (US$ 8.879,83; IC 95% 6.735,24-11.707,27; P<0,001) ou que morreram enquanto estavam em lista (US$ 6.464,73; IC 95% 3.845,75-10.867,28; P=0,04) foram maiores do que com pacientes excluídos da lista por qualquer motivo, exceto óbito (US$ 4.647,78; IC 95% 2.469,35-8.748,04; P=0,254) ou daqueles que permaneceram em lista de espera ao final do seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: Embora os protocolos de inclusão em lista de espera variem entre os centros transplantadores, existem condutas semelhantes e problemas comuns devem ser considerados. Os resultados deste estudo podem auxiliar os centros com realidades socioeconômicas semelhantes na adequação das suas políticas de transplante.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Transplante de Fígado/economia , Custos de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Falência Hepática/cirurgia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Listas de Espera , Transplante de Fígado/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LTx) is the primary and definitive treatment of acute or chronic cases of advanced or end-stage liver disease. Few studies have assessed the actual cost of LTx categorized by hospital unit. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost of LTx categorized by unit specialty within a referral center in southern Brazil. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 109 patients undergoing LTx between April 2013 and December 2014. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, etiology of liver disease, and severity of liver disease according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores at the time of LTx. The hospital bill was transformed into cost using the full absorption costing method, and the costs were grouped into five categories: Immediate Pretransplant Kit; Specialized Units; Surgical Unit; Intensive Care Unit; and Inpatient Unit. RESULTS: The mean total LTx cost was US$ 17,367. Surgical Unit, Specialized Units, and Intensive Care Unit accounted for 31.9%, 26.4% and 25.3% of the costs, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that total LTx cost was significantly associated with CTP class C (P=0.001) and occurrence of complications (P=0.002). The following complications contributed to significantly increase the total LTx cost: septic shock (P=0.006), massive blood transfusion (P=0.007), and acute renal failure associated with renal replacement therapy (dialysis) (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the total cost of LTx is closely related to liver disease severity scores and the development of complications.
Assuntos
Hepatopatias/cirurgia , Transplante de Fígado/economia , Adulto , Idoso , Brasil , Feminino , Custos Hospitalares , Humanos , Tempo de Internação , Hepatopatias/economia , Transplante de Fígado/efeitos adversos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LTx) is the primary and definitive treatment of acute or chronic cases of advanced or end-stage liver disease. Few studies have assessed the actual cost of LTx categorized by hospital unit. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost of LTx categorized by unit specialty within a referral center in southern Brazil. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 109 patients undergoing LTx between April 2013 and December 2014. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, etiology of liver disease, and severity of liver disease according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores at the time of LTx. The hospital bill was transformed into cost using the full absorption costing method, and the costs were grouped into five categories: Immediate Pretransplant Kit; Specialized Units; Surgical Unit; Intensive Care Unit; and Inpatient Unit. RESULTS: The mean total LTx cost was US$ 17,367. Surgical Unit, Specialized Units, and Intensive Care Unit accounted for 31.9%, 26.4% and 25.3% of the costs, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that total LTx cost was significantly associated with CTP class C (P=0.001) and occurrence of complications (P=0.002). The following complications contributed to significantly increase the total LTx cost: septic shock (P=0.006), massive blood transfusion (P=0.007), and acute renal failure associated with renal replacement therapy (dialysis) (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the total cost of LTx is closely related to liver disease severity scores and the development of complications.
RESUMO CONTEXTO: O transplante hepático (TxH) é o principal e definitivo tratamento de casos agudos ou crônicos de doenças hepáticas avançadas ou terminais. Poucos estudos têm avaliado o custo real do TxH categorizado por setores hospitalares. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o custo do TxH categorizado por especialidade da unidade em um centro de referência na região sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Analisamos retrospectivamente os prontuários de 109 pacientes submetidos a TxH entre abril de 2013 e dezembro de 2014. Foram coletados dados sobre características demográficas, etiologia da doença hepática e gravidade da doença hepática de acordo com os escores Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) e Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) no momento do TxH. A conta hospitalar foi transformada em custo pelo método de custeio por absorção integral, e os custos foram agrupados em cinco categorias: Kit Pré-Transplante Imediato; Unidades Especializadas; Centro Cirúrgico; Unidade de Terapia Intensiva; e Unidade de Internação. RESULTADOS: O custo médio total do TxH foi de US$ 17.367. O Centro Cirúrgico, as Unidades Especializadas e a Unidade de Terapia Intensiva responderam por 31,9%, 26,4% e 25,3% dos custos, respectivamente. A análise multivariada demonstrou que o custo total do TxH se associou significativamente ao escore CTP classe C (P=0,001) e ao desenvolvimento de intercorrências (P=0,002). As seguintes intercorrências contribuíram para aumentar significativamente o custo do TxH: choque séptico (P=0,006), politransfusão sanguínea (P=0,007) e insuficiência renal aguda associada à terapia renal substitutiva (diálise) (P=0,005). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados demonstraram que o custo total do TxH guarda uma estreita relação com os escores de gravidade da doença hepática e com o desenvolvimento de intercorrências.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Idoso , Transplante de Fígado/economia , Hepatopatias/cirurgia , Brasil , Estudos Retrospectivos , Transplante de Fígado/efeitos adversos , Custos Hospitalares , Tempo de Internação , Hepatopatias/economia , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Liver transplantation (LT) was performed for the first time in Chile in 1969, but only since the 1990s has it been systematically performed. Our health system is strongly centralized, which is a severe limitation for the patients who need to be evaluated and subsequently listed. Although proper human and technological resources are available and our results are comparable to international outcomes (overall patient survival at 1, 5, and 10 years of 82%, 70%, and 64%, respectively), we are limited because of a severe scarcity of grafts, which translates into an availability of approximately 7 organs per million persons and a wait-list dropout rate of 40% every year. Thus, our main challenge for the next few years is to improve access to LT among the populations from the extreme regions of the country and overall to improve the availability of grafts by increasing the awareness of physicians in intensive care units and emergency departments, to develop living donor LT programs, to educate the population in order to decrease family refusal, and to reinforce the system of potential donor detection. Although hard work is mandatory for these improvements, none of these tasks seem to be unreachable in the midterm.