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DOI: 10.48087/BJMS.2026.130209
Authors: Zakaria GHOUAIMI1, Mohamed KERROUCHE2, Yahia BOUDALI3, Fatima Zohra KOUAIDIA1, Mohamed Amine BENDADA4, Chahira FELLAG5, Nadia BENATTA2, Houari TOUMI1
Affiliations: 1- Pharmacovigilance Department, Oran University Hospital, Algeria. 2- Cardiology Department, Oran University Hospital, Algeria. 3- Epidemiology Department, Béjaya University Hospital Center, Algeria. 4- Oncology Department, CAC Bechar, Algeria. 5- Central pharmacy, Oran University Hospital, Algeria.
Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Hospital cost; Microcosting; Algeria; Health economics.
Abstract
Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cardiovascular emergency associated with considerable clinical and economic burden. In middle-income countries, data on hospital costs remain limited. Objective: To describe the components and direct hospital costs of ACS in an Algerian public hospital. Methods: A descriptive health economics study of the « cost of illness » type was conducted among 229 patients hospitalized for ACS in the cardiology department of Oran University Hospital. Only direct hospital costs, both medical and non-medical, were included. The estimation was based on the micro-costing method, incorporating clinical, organizational, and logistical expenses. Costs, expressed in Algerian dinars (DZD), were converted to euros (€). Results: The mean total hospitalization cost was DZD 315,921 (€2,368.80) for patients who received thrombolysis, DZD 241,550 (€1,811.10) for those who underwent coronary angiography/PCI, and DZD 180,413 (€1,352.70) for patients who did not undergo revascularization (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between length of hospital stay and total cost (ρ = 0.673; p < 0.001). Non-medical costs (salaries, logistics, maintenance) constituted the predominant share. Conclusion: PCI appears to be the most efficient strategy in the context studied, combining shorter hospital stays and resource optimization despite high initial technical costs. These results highlight the need to integrate economic evaluation into national policies for ACS management and to encourage multicenter studies that include long-term costs.