The cost of treatment in new case and multidrug resistant case in pulmonary tuberculosis

The treatment of multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-Tbc) is quite difficult, and the disease has high morbidity and mortality rates. This study was designed to compare the costs of treatment in new tuberculosis (new-Tbc) cases and MDR-Tbc cases. Data base of the study was composed of the data from therapy principles of new-Tbc cases and MDR-Tbc, and official directives and price lists of Turkish Pharmacology Society in 2001 fiscal year regulating treatment costs. For new-Tbc cases, the treatment cost included expanses for 20 days of hospitalisation, one month work loss and six months drug supply and laboratory costs; for MDR-Tbc cases, it was comprised by expenses for seven months hospitalisation in average, 12 months work loss, 24 months drug supply and laboratory costs, and probable surgical interventions and post-operative intensive care. The service of hospital stuff and medical equipment provided was disregarded. The cost analyses was calculated as charge price of American dollars ($) dated 14.09.2001. It was found that the cost of therapy for new-Tbc cases and MDR-Tbc cases were 1134.89 $ and 17529.15 $, respectively. In MDR-Tbc cases, the costs of hospitalisation, work loss, drug therapy and laboratory procedures were 10.5, 12, 98.7 and 5.3 times higher respectively, when compared with those of new-Tbc. The cost of thoracotomy for one patient including the cost for 10 days period of post-operative care in intensive care unit was 391.93 $. The treatment of MDR-Tbc has a high cost, and 16 new-Tbc cases can be treated with the same cost in our country. In conclusion, we think that successful treatment strategies for both new-Tbc cases and MDR-Tbc cases will lower the cost of tuberculosis treatment.