Cost effectiveness of the application of inhaled ipratropium bromide in the treatment of adult patients with acute asthma in Uruguay
Rodrigo, G.J.; Rodrigo, C.
Revista Alergia Mexico 50(3): 103-107
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-5151 PMID: 12940110 Document Number: 8628
Administration of multiple doses of inhaled impratropium bromide and salbutamol represents the first-choice treatment for severe asthmatic crisis. However, there is a scarce evidence demonstrating that this therapeutic intervention in cost-effective. To determine cost-effectiveness relationship related to administration of ipratropium bromide in the treatment of severe asthmatic crisis in adults at two hospitals in Montevideo, Uruguay. The cost of each treatment was estimated in U$S 0.9 when drug was administered by a metered dose pressurized inhaler (MDI) or U$S 1.7 by using a jet nebulizer (NEB). A monetary saving per patient (considering a median of five days of hospitalization and a risk reduction of 0.17) of U$S 30 with MDI or U$S 29 with NEB was observed in the public practice, and a saving of U$S 78 and 77, respectively in the private practice. The total annual monetary saving was of U$S 3,101 with MDI and U$S 2,897 with NEB in the public practice, and of U$S 4,979 and U$S 4,830 in the private practice. A two-way sensitivity analysis taking into account the length of hospitalizations and the risk reduction did not modify significantly the results. The treatment of adults with severe acute asthma by using ipratropium bromide results cost-effective, leading to a significant saving of resources.
Document emailed within 1 workday
