Economic burden of beta-thalassemia/Hb E and beta-thalassemia major in Thai children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hemoglobin E beta-thalassemia (beta-thalassemia/Hb E) has a variable severity, and the cost of treatment has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the societal cost of caring for children with beta-thalassemias in Thailand. The study was designed as a prevalence-based cost-of-illness analysis in a societal perspective. Medical records from three public hospitals of children aged 2-18 years with beta-thalassemia/Hb E and homozygous beta-thalassemia were reviewed for direct medical cost determination. For direct non-medical cost and indirect cost, a family member was interviewed.

Findings

It was found that 201 patients with beta-thalassemia/Hb E (91%) and homozygous beta-thalassemia (9%) were recruited for this study. Ninety-two (46%) were seve

SUBMITTER: Riewpaiboon A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2835719 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature