Budget Impact and Clinical Outcomes of Energy- and Nutrient-Dense Formulas in Pediatric Disease-Related Malnutrition: A Middle Eastern Analysis
Author(s)
ghada I. zaki, PhD1, Ahmed Abdelmawla2.
1The American University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt, 2Danone, United Arab Emirates.
1The American University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt, 2Danone, United Arab Emirates.
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the budget impact and potential cost savings of introducing energy- and nutrient-dense formulas ( ENDFs) for the nutritional management of hospitalized pediatric disease-related malnutrition (DRM) patients aged 0-5 years across public and private sectors in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the economic impact of ENDFs for pediatric DRM in the Middle East
METHODS: An Excel-based cost calculator model compared standard nutritional formulas to ENDFs over a one-year horizon from a healthcare payer's perspective across both public and private sectors. The model estimated annual direct medical costs, incorporating population inputs, formula and hospitalization costs, and hospital length of stay (LOS), informed by expert consultations. One-way sensitivity analyses (±20%) were conducted to assess the model’s robustness.
RESULTS: The use of ENDFs was associated with consistent LOS reductions (19-50%) and substantial cost savings (15-50%), primarily through lower hospitalization expenses, which accounted for over 95% of total costs. Public sector savings ranged from 20-50%, whereas private sector savings ranged from 15-37%. Sensitivity analysis highlighted prevalence, LOS reduction percentage, and base LOS as main cost drivers, aligning with prior economic models.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate the clinical and economic value of ENDFs in managing pediatric DRM, primarily through reduced hospital length of stay and associated costs, supporting their broader adoption
METHODS: An Excel-based cost calculator model compared standard nutritional formulas to ENDFs over a one-year horizon from a healthcare payer's perspective across both public and private sectors. The model estimated annual direct medical costs, incorporating population inputs, formula and hospitalization costs, and hospital length of stay (LOS), informed by expert consultations. One-way sensitivity analyses (±20%) were conducted to assess the model’s robustness.
RESULTS: The use of ENDFs was associated with consistent LOS reductions (19-50%) and substantial cost savings (15-50%), primarily through lower hospitalization expenses, which accounted for over 95% of total costs. Public sector savings ranged from 20-50%, whereas private sector savings ranged from 15-37%. Sensitivity analysis highlighted prevalence, LOS reduction percentage, and base LOS as main cost drivers, aligning with prior economic models.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate the clinical and economic value of ENDFs in managing pediatric DRM, primarily through reduced hospital length of stay and associated costs, supporting their broader adoption
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE102
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis
Disease
Nutrition, Pediatrics