title: Pharmacoeconomics of therapy for ITP: steroids, i.v.Ig, anti-D, and splenectomy.
abstract: Factors that influence the choice of therapeutic option in treating idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) include cost, toxicity, and efficacy of the agent. Today the most commonly used agents for treating ITP include glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v.Ig), anti-D, and splenectomy. Splenectomy cannot be avoided in some instances, but i.v.Ig, and anti-D offer viable treatment alternatives in many cases. i.v.Ig and anti-D are both equally efficacious; however, anti-D therapy may come with lower cost to the patient and the healthcare system. Thus, in treating patients with ITP, clinical and economic considerations should be considered when choosing among the various treatment options.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University Medical School and the Chicago VA Healthcare System/Lakeside Division, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Nathan
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000191:economics; D013256:Steroids / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D013256:Steroids