Economic assessment of convulsive status epilepticus: Investigating socioeconomic correlations in hospitalization costs and outcomes in Northern India

Abstract

Convulsive Status Epilepticus (CSE) poses a considerable health challenge globally, especially in resource-limited regions like Northern India. Despite its medical implications, the economic impact of CSE remains understudied in these settings. This study aimed to evaluate the socio-economic impact of CSE by examining hospital costs and the financial strain experienced by patients in Northern India. Patients who presented with CSE were included in the study. Their demographic parameters, socioeconomic parameters and expenditure during the hospital stay were noted and outcome was assessed. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify associations between economic factors and clinical outcomes.The study comprised a total of 110 patients. Out of the total sample size of 110 individuals, 50.9% (n =56) were residents of rural areas, whereas 49.1% (n = 54) were from urban areas. A significant association with poor outcomes was observed between the education score of the family head (p=0.001), the Modified Kuppuswamy socio-economic class V (p=0.038) and the length of hospital stay (p=0.012). However, on performing a univariate logistic regression analysis to determine independent risk variables for poor outcome, it was observed that patients with an education status score of less than 4 (p=0.036, OR 65.405 95% CI 1.322 - 3235.454) and belonging to Modified Kuppuswamy socio-economic class IV or class V (p=0.045, OR 1.198 95% CI 1.013 - 1.305 and p=0.022, OR 2.156 95% CI 1.235 - 9.307 respectively) were significantly associated with poor outcome. The study underscores the substantial economic burden imposed by CSE on patients in Northern India, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate financial strain and enhance access to healthcare services.