Trends in Mortality, Treatment, and Costs of Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in South Korea: Analysis of Data between 2010 and 2019

PURPOSE: Despite recent advances in the understanding and management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), trends in treatment, mortality, and healthcare costs following these advancements remain to be identified. In the present study, we aimed to investigate these trends using real-world data from a national cohort database in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the National Health Insurance Service database, we collected and analyzed data for critically ill adult patients with ARDS who were admitted to intensive care units in South Korea between 2010 and 2019. RESULTS: The final analysis included 25431 patients with ARDS. The 30-, 90-, and 365-day mortality rates in 2010 were 43.8%, 56.5%, and 68.2%, respectively. These rates had gradually decreased to 36.6%, 50.2%, and 58.8%, respectively, by 2019. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for patients with ARDS started in 2014 at a rate of 5.1% (118/2309), which gradually increased to 8.3% (213/2568) by 2019. The rate of neuromuscular blockade treatment gradually increased from 22.6% (626/2771) in 2010 to 30.9% (793/2568) in 2019. The renal replacement therapy rate gradually increased from 5.7% (157/2771) in 2010 to 12.0% (307/2568) in 2019. The mean total cost of hospitalization increased from 5986.7 USD in 2010 to 12336.4 USD in 2019. CONCLUSION: Real-world data for 2010–2019 indicate that patients with ARDS in South Korea have experienced changes in mortality, treatment, and healthcare costs. Despite the increased financial burden, mortality among patients with ARDS has decreased due to advances in disease management.