Il costo sociale del morbillo in età pediatrica. L’epidemia a Palermo nel 1996-97

ObjectiveTo determine the direct and indirect costs associated with a measles epidemic occurringbetween September 1996 and August 1997 in Palermo (Italy) in paediatric-aged patients.DesignA total of 2,029 cases of measles in a paediatric patient population were identified froma total of 38 paediatricians databases (24% of total). An extrapolation to the generalpopulation was then performed to estimate a total of 9,059 cases. Patient informationobtained from the database such as patient age, risk factors, complications, vaccinationhistory, as well as caretaker’s profession were included in a questionnaire compiled foreach patient.SettingInpatient and outpatient clinics in Palermo, Italy.Patients and participantsParticipants were paediatric-aged patients who had been diagnosed with measles. Includedin the study was a group of previously vaccinated patients (6%).Main outcome measures and resultsThe average cost of care was 464.000 Italian lire (Lit.) per case with a total cost of Lit. 4,2billion for the entire epidemic. The direct costs comprehended 46.6% (Lit. 217.000 percase) of the total costs related to the measles epidemic and were subdivided according toin-patient care (55.4%), paediatric outpatient visits (33.5%) and drugs (9.7%). The averagehealth-care cost associated to previously vaccinated patients (6%) was lower than fornon-vaccinated patients, Lit. 110.000 vs Lit. 223.000 per case, respectively.ConclusionThe demographic and economic data obtained highlights not only the social and economicimpact of the epidemic, but also provides relevant information useful for cost-effectivenessanalysis.