Preprint Article Version 1 This version is not peer-reviewed

# The Cost of Chronic Wounds in Argentina: An Estimation of the Burden in a Public Hospital

Version 1 : Received: 16 May 2019 / Approved: 20 May 2019 / Online: 20 May 2019 (09:53:44 CEST)

How to cite: Chavez-Jara, R.; Cerusico, N.; Lazarte, M.; Cabrera, C.; Herrera Bruno, A.; Sesto Cabral, E.; Ramos, A.N. The Cost of Chronic Wounds in Argentina: An Estimation of the Burden in a Public Hospital. Preprints 2019, 2019050235 (doi: 10.20944/preprints201905.0235.v1). Chavez-Jara, R.; Cerusico, N.; Lazarte, M.; Cabrera, C.; Herrera Bruno, A.; Sesto Cabral, E.; Ramos, A.N. The Cost of Chronic Wounds in Argentina: An Estimation of the Burden in a Public Hospital. Preprints 2019, 2019050235 (doi: 10.20944/preprints201905.0235.v1).

## Abstract

Background: Chronic lower limb ulcers (CLLU) have an important burden to the individual and the healthcare system. However, there is a lack of information about the cost of CLLU in Argentina.Objective: To determinate the number and cost of consultation and hospitalization associated to CLLU in a public hospital in Argentina. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Cost estimation were calculated based on days of stay, treatments and laboratory tests in a inpatient population and the number of consultations, treatments and laboratory tests, in a outpatient population. Results: In 2013 and 2014, the overall number of consultation with ICD-10 codes was 7,224 and the number of inpatient was 359. The mean age for male and female outpatient consultations was 59.53(±13.06) years and 59.04(±10.93), respectively. For CLLU male and female inpatient, the mean age was 63.9(±10.4) years and 54.5(±8.6) years, respectively. The length of stay was 22.88 days. There was a mean of 0.41 surgeries per patient where 25% were amputations. The mean annual cost in a single public hospital was US$4,053.65 per inpatient and US$3,589.24 per outpatient. Conclusion: Cost information allows new public health policies to reduce socioeconomic burden due to CLLU.

## Subject Areas

chronic wound; hospital cost; epidemiology; public health