Szucs T D, Schramm W
Centre of Pharmacoeconomics, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, 20133, Italy.
Pharmacol Res. 1999 Jul;40(1):83-9. doi: 10.1006/phrs.1999.0479.
Studies over the last years provided empirical evidence that low-molecular weight heparins (LMWH) have advantages over unfractionated heparin (UFH) as post-operative thromboprophylactic agents. A detailed perspective economic evaluation for Germany is not available.
A deterministic decision-tree analysis was developed to estimate the main cost-relevant pathophysiological events: deep vein thrombosis (DTV), pulmonary embolism (PE) and major bleeding complications (BC) in general and orthopaedic surgery. The specific costs were analysed, summed up and put into relation with saved lifeyears from the perspective of society, third party payer and hospital management. The robustness of these results were substantiated by a detailed sensitivity analysis.
LMWH avoids pathophysiological events, saves costs and lifeyears in general and orthopaedic surgery from all perspectives.
The use of LMWH as post-operative thromboprophylactic agents is more cost-effective than UFH in Germany.
