OBJECTIVES: Multiple myeloma is a disease that generates a high social impact and carries a high economic burden for health systems. The following analysis aims to characterize the main sociodemographic variables related to the care of Multiple Myeloma (MM) in Colombia.

METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. The information was extracted from the Integrated Social Protection Information System (SISPRO) through the cube of Individual Health Service Provision Records (RIPS) on March 2, 2020. The ICD-10 Code was used: C900 - Myeloma Multiple and the records of the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 were analyzed. The total cases include people seen with a new confirmed diagnosis, repeated confirmed diagnosis and diagnostic impression.

RESULTS: 11,257 cases were identified, 52% were women and the highest frequency was found in the age range of 60 to 71 years. 66% of the cases were found in the contributory regime and 25% in the subsidized one. Medical consultations were the most frequent type of care. The increase in the number of cases in 2018 compared to 2016 was 57%. The highest number of services was presented in Bogotá D.C., Valle del Cauca and Antioquia. The average number of visits per person per year increased from 6 visits in 2016 to 11 visits in 2018. The average number of days of hospitalization per person per year was 25 days in 2018.

CONCLUSION: The growing behavior in the number of people attended in recent years has increased the volume of care. This volume may also be due to the high frequency in older people, who usually require more attention and days of hospitalization. This shows that the economic resources in health to treat this pathology are increasing.