Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: This study, based on the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines(PCDT) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) in Brazil’s Public Healthcare System(SUS), which offers only one therapeutic option(Riluzole), aims to evaluate the average cost and frequency of non-pharmacological treatment options for ALS patients using SUS public data in 2022.
METHODS: A descriptive cost analysis for non-pharmacological therapeutic options was conducted using SUS public data. Outpatient data were colected through Individualized Outpatient Production Form database. The study identified ALS cases using ICD-10 G12.2 attended during 2022. Costs were updated for inflation through October 2024 using the Broad National Consumer Price Index(IPCA).
RESULTS: There were 5,894 patients identified with ALS. The analysis of clinical procedures as non-pharmacological treatment options describes a total of 97,934 events, incurring a cost of R$814,236.94. Representing an average cost of R$8.31 and a frequency of 16.6 procedures per person per year. The highest costs were associated with physiotherapy, totaling R$525,498.13 for 66,428 sessions, with an average cost of R$7.90. In contrast, orthoses, prostheses, and special materials, though less frequent with 920 events, accounted for a substantial cost of R$401,112.38. The average cost per item is R$435.99, with a frequency of 0.2 per person per year. The standard wheelchair had 300 occurrences with an average cost of R$572, achieving the highest cost among this therapeutic option.
CONCLUSIONS: The data highlights the critical role of clinical procedures in ALS care, given their high frequency and cumulative cost, while orthoses, prostheses, and special materials, though less frequent, impact costs due to their high individual expense. Efficient resource allocation and cost management within SUS are essential for sustainable care.