Abstract
Objective
This study aims to describe the pattern and trends in acute rheumatic fever (ARF)/rheumatic heart disease (RHD)-related hospitalisations and costs for Australians aged <65 years.
Methods
This retrospective linked data study measured trends in hospitalisations and costs for ARF, RHD and complications of ARF/RHD in Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2017. Persons with ARF/RHD were identified from RHD registers and/or hospital records.
Results
Over the 5-year study period, 791 children, aged <16 years (86.3% Indigenous), and 2761 adults, aged 16–64 years (44.8% Indigenous), were hospitalised for ARF, RHD or associated complications. On average there were 296 paediatric admissions per year, increasing 6.1% annually (95% CI: 2.4–9.6%, P = 0.001) and 1442 adult admissions per year, increasing 1.7% annually (95% CI: 0.1–3.4%, P = 0.03). Total 5-year costs were AU$130.6 m (AU$17.6 m paediatric, AU$113.0 m adult). Paediatric costs were mostly for ARF-related admissions whereas adult costs mostly involved valvular surgery. Emergency admissions and air ambulance transfers were common, particularly for non-metropolitan residents.
Conclusions
Successful ARF/RHD prevention would deliver significant hospital cost savings. Investment in primary and specialist health care in regional areas may reduce emergency admissions and regional transfers, further reducing hospital burden.
This study aims to describe the pattern and trends in acute rheumatic fever (ARF)/rheumatic heart disease (RHD)-related hospitalisations and costs for Australians aged <65 years.
Methods
This retrospective linked data study measured trends in hospitalisations and costs for ARF, RHD and complications of ARF/RHD in Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2017. Persons with ARF/RHD were identified from RHD registers and/or hospital records.
Results
Over the 5-year study period, 791 children, aged <16 years (86.3% Indigenous), and 2761 adults, aged 16–64 years (44.8% Indigenous), were hospitalised for ARF, RHD or associated complications. On average there were 296 paediatric admissions per year, increasing 6.1% annually (95% CI: 2.4–9.6%, P = 0.001) and 1442 adult admissions per year, increasing 1.7% annually (95% CI: 0.1–3.4%, P = 0.03). Total 5-year costs were AU$130.6 m (AU$17.6 m paediatric, AU$113.0 m adult). Paediatric costs were mostly for ARF-related admissions whereas adult costs mostly involved valvular surgery. Emergency admissions and air ambulance transfers were common, particularly for non-metropolitan residents.
Conclusions
Successful ARF/RHD prevention would deliver significant hospital cost savings. Investment in primary and specialist health care in regional areas may reduce emergency admissions and regional transfers, further reducing hospital burden.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | AH24148 |
| Journal | Australian Health Review |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Oct 2024 |