OBJECTIVES: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains the leading cause of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants worldwide resulting in significant health and financial burden, representing a major challenge for hospital services, and thus requiring substantial investments. This study aims to evaluate the use of health resources and the costs involved in the hospitalization for bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants up to 2 years old and their association with RSV diagnosis.

METHODS: An exploratory study of the cost of the disease, with a quantitative, retrospective, and micro-costing approach. Data collection was carried out at a private hospital of south of Brazil. Inclusion criteria were: Patients under 2 years old with suspected and/or confirmed bronchiolitis or pneumonia, between 2016 and 2021. Only direct medical costs were included, including medication costs, tests, procedures, and hospitalizations (both in the ward and intensive care unit, ICU). The values were established based on the Brazilian Hierarchical Classification of Medical Procedures (CBHPM) table and also according to the price list of the Medicines Market Regulation Chamber (CMED).

RESULTS: The total cost of hospitalization for bronchiolitis was 1.7 million BRL for the 240 patients (±7,237 BRL per patient). When comparing patients admitted to the ICU or not admitted to the ICU, it was noted that the costs were significantly higher for patients admitted to the ICU (ICU = 20,716 BRL and non-ICU = 4,876 BRL, p<0.01). Costs were higher in patients presenting bronchiolitis and RSV positive in comparison with patients RSV negative (BRL 5,127 and BRL 4,739, p<0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization for bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants represents an important clinical and financial burden for the private health system in Brazil, regardless of whether or not it is related to the RSV.