The aim of this study is to assess the clinical and economic burden of malnutrition in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Italy and to estimate the costs and outcomes associated with the use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in this setting. The study provides the first Italian evidence on the economic impact of malnutrition in patients with IBD, highlighting a significant additional burden on the National Health Service. The retrospective analysis conducted on the national SDO database shows that malnutrition is associated with higher in-hospital mortality, longer hospital stays, and an increase in readmissions, with a total cost per malnourished patient 66.6% higher than that of a non-malnourished patient. The cost-consequence analysis demonstrates that treating 30% of patients with IBD and moderate-to-severe malnutrition with ONS could generate cost savings of approximately €29.7 million (–8.7%) for the NHS, underscoring the value of clinical nutrition as a preventive strategy in the care pathway.
Authors:
Chiara Bini, Economic Evaluation and HTA (CEIS-EEHTA) – IGF Department, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
Matteo Scortichini, Economic Evaluation and HTA (CEIS-EEHTA) – IGF Department, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
Elena P. Lanati, CEO and Founder of Lionhealth Società Benefit
Davide Ribaldone, University Hospital "Città della Salute e della Scienza" in Turin
Valentina Pagella, Lionhealth S.r.l. Benefit Corporation; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan
Maria Elisa Distefano, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania
Paolo Sciattella, Economic Evaluation and HTA (CEIS-EEHTA) – IGF Department, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
