Trends in outcome and hospitalization charges of adult patients admitted with botulism in the United States

Neuroepidemiology. 2012;38(4):233-6. doi: 10.1159/000336354. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

Abstract

Background: To assess the impact of new therapeutic strategies on outcomes and hospitalization charges among adult patients with botulism in the United States.

Methods: We determined in-hospital outcomes and charges for patients with botulism hospitalized in 1993-1994 and compared them with those observed among patients hospitalized in 2006-2007. Mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization charges were calculated. Age, sex, race, ethnicity, and discharge status were also reported.

Results: There were 66 and 132 admissions of adult patients with botulism in 1993-1994 and 2006-2007, respectively. Men predominance was observed in 2006-2007 compared to women predominance during the 1993-1994 time period. There was no significant difference in the average length of stay and in-hospital mortality rate between the two groups studied. However, in the 2006-2007 group, there was a significant increase in the mean hospitalization charges (USD 126,092 ± 120,535 vs. USD 83,623 ± 82,084; p = 0.0107) and in the proportion of patients requiring mechanical ventilation when compared to 1993-1994 (34 vs. 13.6%; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Botulism continues to be an infrequent cause of hospitalization, with a significant increase in the average hospitalization charges in 2006-2007 when compared to 1993-1994, despite a nonsignificant change in the mortality rate and average length of hospitalization.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Botulism / economics*
  • Botulism / mortality
  • Female
  • Hospital Charges / trends*
  • Hospital Mortality / trends*
  • Hospitalization* / economics
  • Hospitalization* / trends
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay* / economics
  • Length of Stay* / trends
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States / epidemiology