ECONOMIC-EVALUATION OF THE USE OF NADROPARIN IN THE TREATMENT OF DEEP-VEIN THROMBOSIS IN SWITZERLAND

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost implications, from the payer's perspect ive, of the use of nadroparin instead of unfractionated heparin in the initial treatment of deep-vein thrombosis. DESIGN: Cost-minimization study. SETTING: Switzerland. MATERIAL: Survey of clinical practice in six Swiss hospitals used to model three treatment regimens. MAIN OUTCO ME MEASURES: Cost Of treatment ($US) per patient. RESULTS: Treatment w ith nadroparin instead of unfractionated heparin would reduce costs by $153 per patient. Treatment with nadroparin instead of subcutaneous u nfractionated heparin would reduce costs by $109 per patient. CONCLUSI ONS: The cost of initial treatment of deep-vein thrombosis is consider ably lower with nadroparin than with either of the alternative regimen s. Nadroparin reduces costs through greater ease of administration and by reducing the amount of laboratory monitoring. Treatment with nadro parin might also allow patients to be discharged from the hospital mor e quickly than is possible with intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin.