BACKGROUNDSyncope is a common clinical problem with multiple causes. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is by far the most frequent cause of syncope in children and adolescents. The traditional diagnostic approach to VVS of children and adolescents is based on a series of tests to exclude all other causes, which is complex and time and medical resource consuming. Attempts have been made to develop a new cost-effective diagnostic approach to avoid these problems. This study aimed to compare the economic effectiveness and diagnostic value of the traditional diagnostic approach to VVS of children with a new diagnostic approach.

METHODSOne hundred and eighteen children diagnosed as VVS were divided into two groups according to the different diagnostic approaches. The diagnostic value of the two diagnostic approaches was then analyzed. Meanwhile, the costs of hospitalization, diagnostic testing and hospital stay were determined. Data were evaluated by the cost-minimization analysis.

RESULTSThe diagnostic value of the new diagnostic approach was similar to that of the traditional diagnostic approach (56.57% vs. 53.91%, P = 0.697). However, the cost of hospitalization per patient by the new diagnostic approach was (1507.08 ± 144.63) Yuan (RMB) which was less than that of the traditional diagnostic approach (2603.64 ± 208.19) Yuan. The costs of diagnostic tests per patient by the new diagnostic approach was (1256.04 ± 109.14) Yuan and by the traditional approach (2175.22 ± 153.32) Yuan.

CONCLUSIONCompared to the traditional diagnostic approach to diagnose VVS in children and adolescents, the new diagnostic approach is of a good economic value, and it should be popularized in clinical practice.