Objective: To evaluate the number and cost of hospitalizations due to tuberculosis occurring in the Spanish National Health System (NHS) during 1999 to 2006.
Methods: The specific diagnosis-related groups (DRG) for tuberculosis (DRGs 705, 709, 711 and 798-802) were analyzed.
Results: We observed a striking decrease in hospitalizations (-25%), concomitant tuberculosis-HIV infection (-8.7%), and tuberculosis-related deaths (-0.5%, NS). In addition, there was a drop in the absolute number of hospital admissions and overall cost (from 31.3 to 30.8 and from 40.6 to 40.1 million euro), and a significant decrease in the relative hospitalizations and cost with respect to the overall number and hospital budget (from 0.21% to 0.10% and from 0.15% to 0.07%).
Conclusions: There is a marked decrease in tuberculosis-related hospitalizations and mortality, but the disease remains a considerable health burden.
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