An Analysis of the Clinical Burden and Economic Costs of Venous Thromboembolism During Inpatient Admissions for Pancreatic Cancer in the United States

Objectives: VTE is a frequent complication of pancreatic cancer, but it is often under-reported. VTE is associated with a shorter overall survival and poor quality of life in ambulatory settings. This study aims to examine the clinical burden and costs of newly diagnosed VTE during inpatient admissions for pancreatic cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 108,690 pancreatic cancers using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (January 2016 - December 2020). Patient and hospital characteristics, mortality, discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs and charges were compared between pancreatic cancer patients based on VTE occurrence. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate patient outcomes associated with VTE occurrence. Results: A total number of 4520 (4.2%) patients had VTE. Patients with VTE were more likely to have a high comorbidity index ≥3. Patients with VTE displayed higher odds of prolonged hospitalization, discharge to home hospice, and palliative care use, but no difference in in-hospital deaths. The adjusted additional mean hospital charge and cost were higher in patients with VTE by $10,293 (P < 0.001) and $2966 (P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: VTE occurrence during acute hospitalizations for pancreatic cancer is associated with significant morbidity, increased resource utilization and economic burden without additional risk for in-hospital mortality.