Chemotherapy-Oncologic Procedure ; Tuberculosis ; Cortisone ; Child

<p style="text-align: justify;">OBJECTIVE: Elimination eforts for lymphatic flariasis are underway in the Philippines using mass drug administration (MDA) of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole as one of the main strategies. This cost analysis was done to determine the MDA implementation cost and provide useful information to the control programme on how to best utilize limited resources.p> <p style="text-align: justify;">METHODS: This cost analysis study was conducted in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines in 2004. The study was done from a program perspective. Cost data for 2003 was obtained retrospectively via key informant interviews and records review using a standardized guide from a multi-country cost analysis study of flariasis elimination programs. Cost fgures were classifed as either economic or fnancial costs and expressed in real terms using 2002 as base year. Sensitivity analysis was likewise performed.p> <p style="text-align: justify;">RESULTS: The total economic cost and cost per person treated with MDA were estimated at US$223,549.55 (Php12,116,385.48) and US$0.40, respectively. The fnancial costs were less than half of the economic costs. The main cost driver was drug distribution. The highest economic and fnancial costs were incurred at the national (54.5%) and municipal (74.4%) levels, respectively. High variation in costs of MDA activities was observed.p> <p style="text-align: justify;">CONCLUSION: This cost analysis provides reasonable estimates which may be used to assist government and other stakeholders in program planning and resource generation for flariasis elimination programs in endemic areas.p>
Diethylcarbamazine ; Albendazole ; Philippines ; Mass Drug Administration ; Costs And Cost Analysis ; Health Resources ; Lymphatic Vessel ; Elephantiasis, Filarial

Early into the pandemic, medical attention centered on the immediate need for intensive medical care of patients diagnosed to have coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). As more data emerged on the best medical care possible, attention was also given to the complications and long-term sequelae of COVID-19.
COVID-19

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily targets the respiratory system. This study describes the characteristics associated with mortality among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 at a single hospital in Baguio City, Philippines. Methods: We reviewed medical records (including history, laboratory results and treatment regimen) of 280 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to a single hospital during March–October 2020. Clinical characteristics and outcomes (frequency and type of complication, recovery rate and mortality) were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with mortality. Results: The mean age of COVID-19 patients was 48.4 years and the female-to-male ratio was 1.8:1. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes were the most frequent comorbidities reported. Common presenting symptoms were respiratory and constitutional, with 41% of patients not reporting symptoms on admission. Patients with moderate, severe and critical disease comprised 45%, 8% and 4%, respectively. A total of 15% had complications, health care-associated pneumonia being the most frequent complication. The recovery rate was 95%; 5% of patients died, with multiorgan failure being the most common cause. The presence of CVD, chronic kidney disease, prolonged prothrombin time and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were associated with mortality. Discussion Most COVID-19 patients in our population had asymptomatic to moderate disease on admission. Mortality from COVID-19 was associated with having CVD, chronic kidney disease, elevated LDH and prolonged prothrombin time. Based on these results, we emphasize that people should take all necessary precautions to avoid infection with SARS-CoV-2.