Varicella Admissions in Children and Adolescents in Portugal: 2000–2015

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Varicella is a common, usually benign, and autolimited disease in children but can lead to severe complications and hospitalization. With this study, we aim to analyze all varicella hospitalizations to provide epidemiological information to help outline preventive policies. METHODS We assessed all varicella hospitalizations in children aged 0 to 17 years, from 2000 to 2015, in mainland, public Portuguese hospitals using a Portuguese administrative database. Seasonality, geographic distribution, severity, complications, risk factors, use of diagnostic and treatment procedures and hospitalization costs were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 5120 hospitalizations were registered, with an annual rate of 17.3 hospitalizations per 100 000 inhabitants. A higher number of hospitalizations occurred during the summer period and in Southern regions. The median length of stay was of 4 days (interquartile range: 3.0–7.0). We found a high rate of severe complications, mostly dermatologic (19.6%), neurologic (6.0%), and respiratory (5.1%). Of the total number of patients, 0.8% were immunocompromised and 0.1% were pregnant. Total direct hospitalization costs during the 16-year period were estimated to be 7 110 719€ (8 603 970 USD), with a mean annual cost of 444 419.92€ (537 748.10 USD). CONCULSIONS This is the first national study in which useful epidemiological data to evaluate the burden and impact of varicella in Portugal is provided.

Prospective Study of Loss of Health-Related Quality Adjusted Life Years in Children and Their Families Due to Uncomplicated and Hospitalised Varicella

“…A recent assessment in Portuguese public hospitals of children aged 0 to 17 years, between 2000 and 2015, using an administrative database, showed an annual rate of 17.3 varicella hospitalisations per 100,000 population. Children aged 1 to 4 years accounted for 57.6 % of the total admissions, and neonates accounted for 3.7 % [31]. The most frequent complication categories were dermatologic (19.6 %), neurologic (6.0 %), and respiratory (5.1 %).…”

“…The most frequent complication categories were dermatologic (19.6 %), neurologic (6.0 %), and respiratory (5.1 %). Total direct hospitalisation mean annual cost was 444,420€ (537,748 USD) for a country with a population of approximately 10 million people [31].…”