Update on pharmacoeconomics in transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To provide current information on pharmacoeconomic outcomes in transplantation for the past 6 years.


METHODS
An extensive literature search was undertaken using PubMed and other authenticated Internet sources. Key words used to elicit pertinent studies were "pharmacoeconomics," "transplantation," "cost-effectiveness," "cost-benefit," "cost-minimization" and "cost-utility" analyses. Studies included in the review contain updated pharmacoeconomic data generated during the past 6 years on economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes. These data are used to describe and analyze the cost of drug therapy used in transplantation.


RESULTS
Background information is included in the review to provide a context from which to evaluate new study material. Data extracted from the studies include significant findings and study limitations. Data were stratified into understanding pharmacoeconomic methods and their application to transplantation, maintenance and induction therapies, and management of and costs associated with adverse events and quality-of-life issues.


CONCLUSIONS
Continued evolution of pharmacoeconomic analysis is needed so that optimal care can be provided in the most cost-effective manner. Pharmacoeconomic study, done rationally and logically, is an indispensable tool in determining optimal transplantation regimens.
Cavanaugh
Teresa M
TM
University Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Martin
Jill E
JE
D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003663:Decision Trees; D004180:Direct Service Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000191:economics; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D008390:Markov Chains; D017059:Models, Econometric; D009017:Morbidity; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012107:Research Design
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents