Abstract 19065: Resource Utilization After Cardiac Surgery in Adults With Congenital Heart Diseases: A Nationwide Analysis

Objective: This study examined resource utilization following cardiac surgery among ACHD patients.Methods: We used the NIS (2012-2018) to identify >18yo admissions with TOF, Pulmonary valve anomalies/Congenital Pulmonary Stenosis, cTGA, DORV, TGA, HLHS, and Ebstein's anomaly and Open-heart valve or Great Vessels\Conduit replacement procedures. Hospitalization costs were adjusted for inflation to 2022 US dollars using the medical care component of the US Consumer Price Index. A mixed-effect linear regression model was used to identify factors associated with increased costs.Results: Out of 91,565 admissions, 4,578 involved one of the procedures of interest. The median age was 32 (IQR 34 - 46), and 46.6% were females. The median hospitalization cost was $54,400 (IQR 40,990 - 74,520). Valve procedures were the most common (79%). Overall, 19% of admissions had multiple HRU codes, with Blood transfusions (12.5% ) and ICD/pacemakers (7.2% being the most common. The high and low tercile group had a median hospitalization cost of $92,370 (IQR 74,850 - 120,900) and $36,300, IQR 31,180 - 40,930). Hospital-level factors, complications, and the need for HRU services significantly increased hospitalization costs. Notably, in-hospital mortality was associated with a 58% cost increase.

Conclusion: Although the proportion of ACHD admissions requiring cardiac surgery is relatively low, the economic burden is significantly high, particularly those with in-hospital mortality. On average, higher hospitalization costs are associated with complications, the utilization of HRU procedures, the type of hospital providing care, and the US region.