Impact of drotrecogin alfa (activated) on resource use and implications for reimbursement.
Selecting therapies in health care requires rigorous review of clinical and economic data. The financial implications of new clinical treatment options are an important component. The preferred method for evaluating the costs and effects of therapies is cost-effectiveness analysis along with an estimation of utility associated with the life-years gained. Preliminary reports suggest patients receiving drotrecogin alfa (activated) for severe sepsis have a faster resolution of cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction with minimal additional financial burden despite additional survivors. Furthermore, the reported cost/quality-adjusted life-year of $48,800 is consistent with many other common life-saving measures. Recently approved new technology payments for hospitals treating patients with drotrecogin alfa (activated) minimize financial impact. Clinicians and administrators should work collaboratively to optimize the therapy of patients with severe sepsis, minimize the financial impact on the health care system, and maximize the utility of drotrecogin alfa (activated).
Dasta
Joseph F
JF
College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. Dasta.1@osu.edu
Cooper
Liesl M
LM
D018806:APACHE; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003422:Critical Care / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D011486:Protein C / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D040841:Resource Allocation; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D014481:United States
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D011486:Protein C; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C421124:drotrecogin alfa activated