Trends of acute hepatitis B hospitalizations, comorbidities, fatality rate, and costs associated with the hospitalization in Spain (2001-2006).
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study is to analyze data related to hospitalization, comorbidities, fatality rate, average stays, and costs associated with hospitalized cases of acute hepatitis B in Spain, during 2001-2006.


METHODS
A retrospective study to analyze the characteristics of acute hepatitis B patients admitted to Spanish hospitals was performed using the minimum basic data set. Costs were calculated using the diagnosis-related groups for the disease.


RESULTS
The total number of hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute hepatitis B was 2160, of which 73.8% were diagnosed in men. The highest rate corresponds to the group aged 20-39 years (2.33/100 000 inhabitants). Ninety deaths (4.2%) were reported out of the total hospitalized patients. The average hospital stay was 10 days. The trends in the rate of hospitalized acute hepatitis B cases were not statistically significant. There were no differences found in the average length of stay or in the cost during the study period. The estimated total cost was 7 451 098 euros.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of hospitalized acute hepatitis B patients in Spain did not change during the 2001-2006 period. Having an adequate surveillance system and continuing with the universal immunization and risk group programs, and health education, remain a high priority.
Arteaga-Rodríguez
Alejandro
A
Preventive Medicine and Public Health Teaching and Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain. arteagapreventiva@hotmail.com
Carrasco-Garrido
Pilar
P
Lopez de Andres
Ana
A
Santos
Juana
J
Gil de Miguel
Angel
A
Jiménez-García
Rodrigo
R
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000191:economics* / Q000401:mortality*; D017721:Hospital Costs / Q000639:trends; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult