Economic burden of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in Chinese hospitals: A 2019 analysis.

BACKGROUND

The resistance rate of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) resistance rate has risen by 20% over the past 19 y in China. The socioeconomic burden of CRKP infections has rarely been estimated.

METHODS

We estimated the number of CRKP-infected inpatients, the disability-adjusted life-years lost, and the socioeconomic burden in China in 2019. Using national surveillance data (China Antimicrobial Surveillance System), published literature, and official statistics, we adapted Cassini's disease progression model to the Chinese context to quantify the clinical and economic impact. Sensitivity analyses were adjusted for retirement age and age-specific mortality.

RESULTS

In 2019, an estimated 263 000 inpatients had CRKP infections, resulting in 0.72 million disability-adjusted life-years lost (2.73 per patient). Direct medical costs reached $0.61 billion, indirect costs $3.85 billion, totalling $4.46 billion (0.03% of 2019 GDP). Median annual cost per patient was $16 940.

CONCLUSIONS

CRKP infections impose significant health and economic burden on China. Enhanced infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and investment in rapid diagnostics and novel therapeutics are urgently needed. The methodology used in this study can also support burden assessments for other resistant pathogens in similar contexts.