Hospital Burden Inflicted by Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Hospitalizations during the first Omicron Wave in Shenyang, Northeastern China: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

Abstract Background In the last few years, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed a significant global public health threat. The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 first emerged as a pandemic in China in December 2022;however, there are no data on hospitalization costs related to diseases in children. In view of the high transmissibility of the Omicron virus, in the present study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of hospitalization costs for children to provide crucial information for understanding the burden inflicted on the Chinese medical system. Methods This study comprised a partial economic assessment from a retrospective observational cohort study designed to assess the costs of hospitalization of children aged 0–18 year with confirmed COVID-19 in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University treated between December 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, and followed until discharge, death, or external transfer. Differences between groups were tested using Student’s t-test and the Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed to determine the risk factors associated with high costs. Results A total of 167 children with moderate, severe, and critical illness were included in the analysis. Twenty-six (15.57%) and 18 (10.78%) children required NICU and PICU care, respectively. Overall, 107 (65.27%) children were males, and approximately half (50.90%) of the children were less than 3 years old. The average hospitalization cost was 2671.61 USD, and the average length of stay was 10 days. Hospitalization costs were significantly higher for males than for females. Children with comorbidities and special therapeutic measures who lived in intensive care units or neonatal units had higher hospitalization costs. Ward type, number of treatment measures, and comorbidities were significantly related to hospitalization costs. Thirty-five (20.96%) children required mechanical intervention, and five (2.99%) children underwent plasma exchange. Conclusion Clinical management of COVID-19 pediatric patients poses an economic burden on the healthcare system. Ward type, number of comorbidities, and special therapeutic measures all affect hospitalization costs.