How much do lower respiratory tract infections in adults cost? A hospital-based cost analysis in Colombia

Background In Colombia, lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are one of the main events of interest to public health. This study aims to describe and quantify the direct medical costs associated with hospital care for LRTI in the Colombian health system. Methods A retrospective observational study using hospital and national databases was conducted to analyze the direct hospital costs of patients with LRTI from the perspective of the Colombian healthcare system. Data was obtained from hospital records and the Individual Registry of Health Services Provision (RIPS). Cost assessment was performed using national databases (Sufficiency for Health Benefits and the Drug Price Information System - SISMED). Costs were classified as follows: consultations, laboratory and imaging costs, procedures, medications, supplies, and hospital stay, segmented by age groups and diagnostic subgroups. The analysis used measures of central tendency and dispersion. Results The services of 601 patients from a university hospital and 14, 979 hospitalization cases registered in RIPS were analyzed. The findings revealed that costs are concentrated primarily in the population over 60 years of age, especially in treating influenza and pneumonia (J09-J18), accounting for more than 70% of the total cost. According to RIPS, the mean cost per hospitalized patient with LRTI was Int5, 657. At the university hospital, the median cost per patient was Int7, 525 (IQR Int14, 346). Medications and hospital stays were the largest components of the total cost. Additionally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases had mean hospital costs per patient of Int7, 340, with medications and hospital stays being the main cost drivers. Conclusion The significant economic burden of LRTI on the Colombian health system, especially among adults over 60 years of age, highlights the need to strengthen public health policies aimed at their prevention and control. It is recommended to emphasize vaccination strategies, optimization of hospital management, and strengthening epidemiological surveillance. Clinical trial number Not applicable.