Direct costs and resource utilization of home enteral nutrition in Argentina: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: home enteral nutrition (HEN) maintains nutritional status in patients unable to feed orally. While established globally, data on its costs in Argentina are scarce. This study aimed to describe HEN costs and analyze differences between permanent and temporary enteral access. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 1,400 adult patients receiving exclusive HEN in October 2024. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and direct costs (healthcare/non-healthcare) were collected and converted to U.S. dollars. Patients were grouped by access type: temporary (nasoenteric tube) or permanent (ostomy). Quantile regression identified cost determinants. RESULTS: mean age was 59.6 ± 24 years; 76.7 % used permanent access. The median total monthly direct cost was USD 230.77 (IQR, 167.84-308.74). Enteral formula was the largest expense (median USD 120.24). No significant difference was found in total direct costs between groups (p = 0.428). However, temporary access incurred higher professional fees (p < 0.001). Regression confirmed formula and supplies as main cost predictors (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HEN costs in this Argentinian cohort are driven primarily by supplies and formula, not access type. While permanent access did not reduce overall costs, it lowered professional fees, suggesting it optimizes resource utilization when clinically indicated.