[Critical evaluation of economic analysis exemplified by preventive misoprostol administration in antirheumatic drug-induced gastropathy].

Public and professional concern about the limited resources and increasing costs of medical care in absolute and relative terms have stimulated research on the costs and benefits of health care programs and interventions. The identification of cost-effective alternatives requires the choice of the type of analysis, definition of the perspective, comprehensive assessment of the costs as well as the effects and the critical interpretation of the results. These aspects are illustrated with the example of misoprostol-prophylaxis for NSAID-induced gastropathy. A summary of relevant criteria for an economic analysis in clinical practice is provided.