The study evaluates the costs and outcomes associated with the use of ONS (oral nutritional supplements) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—who have moderate-to-severe malnutrition and are treated in community settings in Italy.
The retrospective analysis conducted on the national SDO database (2015–2019) included 3,682 patients and shows that malnutrition in hospitalized patients with IBD is associated with higher in-hospital mortality (+1.8%), longer hospital stays (+14 days), and more readmissions (+0.55/year), with a total cost per patient 66.6% higher than that of non-malnourished patients.
The cost-outcome analysis shows that treating 30% of patients with IBD and moderate-to-severe malnutrition with ONS could reduce hospitalizations by 10% and generate net savings for the National Health Service of approximately €29.7 million (–8.7%), confirming the value of clinical nutrition as a preventive strategy in the management of IBD.
Authors:
- Chiara Bini — CEIS-EEHTA, University of Rome Tor Vergata
- Matteo Scortichini — CEIS-EEHTA, University of Rome Tor Vergata
- Elena P. Lanati — CEO & Founder of Lionhealth Società Benefit
- Davide Ribaldone — University Hospital "Città della Salute e della Scienza" in Turin
- Valentina Pagella — Lionhealth S.B.; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan
- Maria Elisa Distefano — Cannizzaro University Hospital, Catania
- Paolo Sciattella — CEIS-EEHTA, University of Rome Tor Vergata
