A Prospective Study of Costs Associated With the Evaluation of Allergic Reactions to Radiological Contrast Media.

The prevalence of hypersensitivity reactions to radiological contrast media (RCM) is increasing owing to the improved performance of diagnostic and therapeutic tests that require RCMs. Objective: We carried out a year-long real-life observational study to prospectively evaluate patients referred to the allergy department from primary care, the emergency department, and other specialties with suspected moderate-to-severe RCM hypersensitivity reactions. To study the costs of evaluating RCM hypersensitivity reactions, we systematically recorded direct and indirect costs. Sixty-nine patients with previous reactions to RCM were evaluated in the allergy department from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018.Total direct health care costs were €10 715.84, with a mean (SD) cost per patient of €155.30 (77.08). Specifically, direct non-health care costs reached €1605.42 (mean, €23.27 [41.14]), and indirect costs were €6490.85 (mean, €94.07 [110.61]). In summary, the total cost was €18 812.11, that is, a mean cost of €272.64 (164.77). Our study shows that the costs of an elective evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to RCM are low, thus confirming that correct and safe management of affected patients are cost-effective. Therefore, our efforts should be directed toward ensuring the necessary logistics.

Citation

M Sobrino-García, F J Muñoz-Bellido, E Moreno, M T Gracia-Bara, E Laffond, M Lázaro-Sastre, C Martín-García, I Dávila. A Prospective Study of Costs Associated With the Evaluation of Allergic Reactions to Radiological Contrast Media. Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology. 2023 Apr 18;33(2):102-108

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PMID: 35029155

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