OBJECTIVES : To estimate the burden of annual costs for Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) health care considering the public perspective in Mexico.

METHODS : A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from a pediatric cardiology service at NMC ISSSTE, Mexico City. All patients who had PPH included were aged under 18 years (2013-2015). Clinical and economic variables were collected; direct healthcare costs were medical visits, hospitalization days, emergency visits, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and medication. Prescriptions (acute, chronic, or upon request) were quantified based on mean dosage/patient, all resources used was obtained directly from patient´s charts and prices were obtained from www. compranet.funcionpublica.gob.mx. A descriptive analysis was performed, the bivariate analysis included linear correlation and mean differences, costs were compared by ANOVA test of initial functional class. A log linear regression model was done, p value <0.05 was consider statistically significant. The cost was expressed in USD (1USD =$18.8113 Mx, www. banxico.org Jan 2018).

RESULTS : A total of 84 patients, were identified, 46% males, the mean of age at diagnosis 8.6±4.5 years (yrs.), median follow-up 4 yrs., the functional class (FC) distribution was as following: FC I: 33, FCII 26, FCIII:7, FC IV 2, and 2 unknown. The cost average per patient/year estimated was $81, 820 CI 95% ($79,022 - $84619), and institutional annual total cost $1,299,937.75 CI 95% ($1,156,407, $1,443,468), the average of cost by FC I: $52,223.46, FCII, $63,301.89 FCIII: $89,151.56, FC IV $121,463.65. According with log linear regression model the cost per patient at first year was $101,535.14, the total costs were associated to age, FC, number of hospitalization, and medication p value 0.0394, .049 y p<0.000 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS : PPH had a substantial economic burden during first year on the health care system (0.032%), the FC, hospitalization and medication were associated with annual total cost.