Cost-effective adenosine dosing for the treatment of PSVT.
We reviewed our experience with adenosine for the conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) to determine whether the recommended dosing strategy of 6 mg, followed by 12 mg, is cost-effective in actual practice. We observed a 65% conversion rate to sinus rhythm with the initial dosage of 6 mg adenosine (95% CI, 54% to 75%), and, based on subsequent cost analysis, conclude that the current strategy should not be replaced by a 12-mg-first strategy. If the packaging of adenosine was changed so that 12 mg cost less than twice 6 mg, this analysis should be revisited.
Davis
R
R
Department of Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903, USA.
Spitalnic
S J
SJ
Jagminas
L
L
D000241:Adenosine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004349:Drug Packaging / Q000191:economics; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013614:Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000241:Adenosine