Trends of acute hepatitis B hospitalizations, comorbidities, fatality rate, and costs associated with the hospitalization in Spain (2001–2006)

INTRODUCTIONThe objective of this study is to analyze data related to hospitalization, comorbidities, fatality rate, average stays, and costs associated with hospitalized cases of acute hepatitis B in Spain, during 2001–2006. METHODSA retrospective study to analyze the characteristics of acute hepatitis B patients admitted to Spanish hospitals was performed using the minimum basic data set. Costs were calculated using the diagnosis-related groups for the disease. RESULTSThe total number of hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute hepatitis B was 2160, of which 73.8% were diagnosed in men. The highest rate corresponds to the group aged 20–39 years (2.33/100 000 inhabitants). Ninety deaths (4.2%) were reported out of the total hospitalized patients. The average hospital stay was 10 days. The trends in the rate of hospitalized acute hepatitis B cases were not statistically significant. There were no differences found in the average length of stay or in the cost during the study period. The estimated total cost was 7 451 098 euros. CONCLUSIONThe rate of hospitalized acute hepatitis B patients in Spain did not change during the 2001–2006 period. Having an adequate surveillance system and continuing with the universal immunization and risk group programs, and health education, remain a high priority.