PubMed · 1989 · 29 citations · 0 references
MedicineInfectious DiseasesPediatricsInfectious Disease EpidemiologyPediatric EpidemiologyPediatric Infectious DiseasesBacterial InfectionsInfant Infectious DiseasesNeonatal EpidemiologyNeonatal InfectionsNeonatal Infectious DiseasesTropical MedicineCongenital Rubella DiagnosisDirect Cost AnalysisDirect Cost AssessmentInfectious Disease EconomicsInfectious Disease PrevalenceNeonatal Disease BurdenRubella Vaccination
In 1986 there were 3795 cases of acquired rubella reported in the Republic of Panama (177/100,000 population) of which 1550 were from the Metropolitan Region (261/100,000 population). Fifty-four neonates (218/100,000 of those born alive), born predominantly in two medical centers within the capital, were identified with compatible or confirmed congenital rubella manifesting as cardiopathies and neurologic defects in 68.5%; low birth weight in 61%; ocular defects in 48%; muscular tone alterations and psychomotor retardation in 35 and 33%, respectively; and hearing loss and purpura in 29.6%. It is estimated that the annual direct cost of care for these 54 patients would be close to $123,730, and this confirms the high cost of continuing care compared with the use of a safe, economical and efficient vaccine.