Economic evaluation of the use of nadroparin in the treatment of deep-vein thrombosis in Switzerland.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the cost implications, from the payer's perspective, of the use of nadroparin instead of unfractionated heparin in the initial treatment of deep-vein thrombosis.


METHODS
Cost-minimization study.


METHODS
Switzerland.


METHODS
Survey of clinical practice in six Swiss hospitals used to model three treatment regimens.


METHODS
Cost of treatment ($ US) per patient.


RESULTS
Treatment with nadroparin instead of unfractionated heparin would reduce costs by $153 per patient. Treatment with nadroparin instead of subcutaneous unfractionated heparin would reduce costs by $109 per patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The cost of initial treatment of deep-vein thrombosis is considerably lower with nadroparin than with either of the alternative regimens. Nadroparin reduces costs through greater ease of administration and by reducing the amount of laboratory monitoring. Treatment with nadroparin might also allow patients to be discharged from the hospital more quickly than is possible with intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin.
Lloyd
A C
AC
National Economic Research Associates, London, England.
Aitken
J A
JA
Hoffmeyer
U K
UK
Kelso
E J
EJ
Wakerly
E C
EC
Barber
N D
ND
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D017762:Nadroparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D013557:Switzerland; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017762:Nadroparin; D006493:Heparin