Article Text
Abstract
Background Prescription RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab involves high pharmaceutical costs associated with paediatric services. It is necessary to establish protocols aimed at reducing the cost associated with these treatments, adjusted to the best cost-effectiveness criteria.
Purpose To assess whether the prescriptions are consistent with indications of greater efficiency; to assess the impact of the revision of the criteria in the last vaccination campaign.
Materials and Methods We analysed the cost associated with the use of palivizumab in the last six years, the criteria for indication of prophylaxis, and the impact of the restrictions introduced last season. The number of doses that can be administered has been restricted: a limitation for the higher-risk months (Nov-Jan), and more cost-effective presentations (100 mg) are to be used.
We extracted from our hospital system (SAP) the dispensed prescriptions of palivizumab from September 2006 to February 2012 (5 vaccination campaigns) analysing the number of patients treated, number of doses per child, vaccination period, consumption distribution among different presentations, indication criteria and associated cost.
Results An examination of the last 6 vaccination campaigns shows the impact of the measures taken. We obtained a 35% cost reduction (€98,875.25) compared to the average in recent seasons, and a 28% decrease in the number of children treated. The priority of using 100 mg vials meant a 63% reduction in the use of 50 mg vials, which are less cost-effective. The largest decrease (10%) in prescriptions was in premature infants between 29 and 35 weeks gestation. No vaccinations were done in March.
Conclusions Establishing agreed more restrictive criteria used in the selection of patients to be treated, limiting the months in which the vaccine can be administered and the preferential use of 100 mg vials has brought about a 35% reduction in the cost associated with this treatment (€98,875.25) compared to previous campaigns.
No conflict of interest.