HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

[Prevention of neonatal anemia with recombinant human erythropoietin: a cost-benefit analysis].

Abstract
A few years ago recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-EPO) has been introduced for the prophylaxis of anaemia of prematurity. Aim of this controlled study was a cost-effectiveness analysis of the prophylaxis with rh-EPO versus sole transfusion with packed red blood cells. In the study group 33 infants (gestational age 30 +/- 2 weeks, birthweight 1217 g +/- 244 g) were treated with rh-EPO beginning on the fifth day of life for a six week period. They received 750 IE rh-EPO/kg/week and transfusion with packed red blood cells when indicated. In the historic control group 33 infants (gestational age 29.2 +/- 1.9 weeks, birthweight 1181 g +/- 205 g) did not receive rh-EPO, patients were only transfused. Indication and guidelines for transfusion were identical for both groups. The number of transfusions was registered after 2 and 4 weeks of life and by the time of hospital discharge. The cost analysis was carried out by using current prices for packed red blood cells including material and processing and prices for rh-EPO (Neo-Recormon, Boehringer Mannheim). Infants in the study group received 1.39 +/- 1.94 transfusions per patient while patients in the control group needed 2.7 +/- 1.93 transfusions per patient (p < 0.05). Cost for treatment was slightly increased in the study group (DM 536,- vs. DM 459,-). Prophylaxis of anaemia of prematurity with recombinant human erythropoietin proved to be effective. Compared with sole blood transfusion treatment, expenses for the prophylaxis with rh-EPO were only little higher.
AuthorsJ Schefels, U Merz, H Hörnchen
JournalZeitschrift fur Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie (Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol) Vol. 203 Suppl 2 Pg. 1-5 (Dec 1999) ISSN: 0948-2393 [Print] Germany
Vernacular TitleDie Prophylaxe der Frühgeborenenanämie mit rekombinantem humanen Erythropoietin: eine Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse.
PMID10612190 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Erythropoietin
Topics
  • Anemia, Neonatal (drug therapy, economics)
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion (economics)
  • Erythropoietin (economics, therapeutic use)
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases (drug therapy, economics)
  • Male
  • Recombinant Proteins

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: