OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify and estimate the direct medical costs and resources used for the management of Hiperkalemia (HK) in Argentina.

METHODS: The study was carried out in three phases; first, an exhaustive literature review was conducted to model the economic burden of HK. This was followed by a questionnaire using the Delphi Panel technique, composed of professionals from different specialties and health subsectors in Argentina, to discuss and reach a consensus on resource use, treatment patterns and associated events in patients with HK. Finally, micro-costing was performed to estimate the cost of HK.

RESULTS: Three patient profiles were characterized: Hiperkalemia acute (HKA), Hiperkalemia recurrent (HKR) and Hiperkalemia in dialysis (HKD).Costs of diagnosis, treatment (outpatient and inpatient), follow-up and associated events were identified and estimated. The average cost per patient per year in each profile for the entire system is USD 5,700, USD 8,217, and USD 4,924, respectively. Treatment of associated events explained 81%, 56% and 80% of the economic burden for HKA, HKR and HKD, respectively, followed by inpatient treatment with 16%, 33%, and 5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to estimate the resource use and treatment costs of HK in Argentina. The presence of HK is associated with an average incremental cost per patient of approximately USD 6,280. The study could contribute significantly as a basis for a best practice consensus on HK.