USING PUBLISHED, INSTITUTIONAL DATA TO EVALUATE THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF DVT PROPHYLAXIS

As a prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty procedures, low molecular weight heparins ( LMWHs) have shown superior clinical effectiveness over other pharmacol ogic therapies used for this indication (heparin and. warfarin) with n o increase in the incidence of major bleeding episodes, Acquisition co sts of LMWH, however, are much higher than for heparin or warfarin, In evaluating these agents, health care providers need. to determine the incidences of DVT, pulmonary embolism, and major bleeding associated with each anticoagulant at their institutions. By adding the cost of t reating those incidences to the acquisition cost of the drugs, Committ ee members will have an overall DVT prophylaxis cost for comparing age nts.