Cost effectiveness of palivizumab in Spain: an analysis using observational data.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the cost effectiveness of palivizumab for prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in high-risk infants in Spain, incorporating country-specific observational hospitalisation data.


METHODS
An existing decision tree model, designed using data from a large international clinical trial of palivizumab versus no prophylaxis, was updated to include Spanish observational hospitalisation data. The analysis was performed for preterm children born at or before 32 weeks gestational age, who are at high risk of developing severe RSV disease requiring hospitalisation. Data sources included published literature, official price/tariff lists and national population statistics. The primary perspective of the study was that of the Spanish National Health Service in 2006.


RESULTS
The base-case analysis included the direct medical costs associated with palivizumab prophylaxis and hospital care for RSV infections. Use of palivizumab produces an undiscounted incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of euro6,142 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), and a discounted ICER of euro12,814/QALY.


CONCLUSIONS
Palivizumab provides a cost-effective method of prophylaxis against severe RSV disease requiring hospitalisation among preterm infants in Spain.
Nuijten
Mark J
MJ
IMTA, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. nuijten@bmg.eur.nl
Wittenberg
Wolfgang
W
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003663:Decision Trees; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D018803:Models, Economic; D000069455:Palivizumab; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069455:Palivizumab