Estimates of the Economic Implications of Congenital Heart Defects: Literature review

You are here

Article tools
Mon, 2022/09/26 - 14:53
Downloaded: 1
Laboratorinė medicina. 2022,
t. 24,
Nr. 2,
p. 101 -
104

Summary

Background. Congenital heart defects (CHD) are one of the most common birth defects globally. According to several studies, most common CHD are ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis and tetralogy of Fallot. With the continuous improvement of diagnosis and treatment, there has been a significant increase in overall survival rate over the last two decades. Therefore, need for more medical interventions, longer hospitalization and lifelong specialized care has also increased. In addition to direct medical costs, there is indirect economic burden due to reduced life expectancy, loss of ability to work, out-of-pocket family expenses.

Conclusions. According to research in other countries, the cost of treating and caring for congenital heart defects accounts for a disproportionate share of healthcare expenses. Lithuania does not yet have data on the direct and indirect economic burden associated with congenital developmental anomalies. Accurate and constantly updated data would make it possible to monitor progress in the treatment, care, and prevention of congenital heart anomalies.

© 2024, Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine