[Cost of liver transplantation at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Parana, Brazil].

PURPOSE

To determine the cost of liver transplantation at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Parana.

METHODS

The data of 24 patients subjected to 25 liver transplantations were evaluated from the day of hospital admission until the day of discharge to determine the length of hospitalization, quantity of material and medications used, and exams and procedures performed. Professional fees were not included in the study.

RESULTS

The age of the patients varied from 6 to 56 years. Six patients were younger than 14 years of age. Five patients died during hospitalization. Retransplantation was performed in only one patient. The average cost for liver procurement was US$ 2,783.19. The total cost of the liver transplantation varied, depending on the occurrence of complications, length of hospitalization and the amount of blood products transfused. The total cost varied from US$ 6,359.84 to US$ 75,434.18, with an average of US$ 21,505.53. The most expensive item of the liver transplantation was blood products transfused, followed by medications, and intensive care and room charges.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost of liver transplantation varies among the patients and may be performed in Brazil at a cost less than that reported in the United States and Europe.