Antibiotic prophylaxis in sickle cell disease: a cross-section study of adherence and associated costs

Abstract

Objective: To assess adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis and to describe the cost of prophylactic antibiotics in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Methods: Cross-sectional study with 115 children. Adherence was assessed through caregiver interviews and medical records. Costs and posologies were assessed through the Brazilian SCD Guidelines. Results: 50.4% of the patients were male. The mother was responsible for answers (83.5%) and the main caregiver (86.1%). Maximum adherence was achieved in 45.2%. There was no statistically significant association between adherence and the studied variables. The total cost was US$ 102,824.50. The average annual cost per adherent patient was US$ 196.41. Conclusion: Adherence to prophylactic antibiotics was low and actions are needed to increase it, even though the costs of this action are low.