[A cost-efficacy analysis of treatment with antiendotoxin monoclonal antibodies in gram-negative sepsis].

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the cost-efficacy analysis of treatment with antiendotoxin monoclonal antibodies in adult patients admitted to intensive care units for completing the decision making regulating the authorization of registry of drugs in Spain.

METHODS

Two treatment strategies were considered: to treat with antiendotoxin monoclonal antibodies, addition to conventional treatment, to all patients with sepsis or to all those with septic shock versus the alternative of only carrying out conventional treatment. The economic evaluation technique which quantifies costs in pesetas and efficacy in years of life gained by the treatment alternatives was considered.

RESULTS

The cost per year of additional life gained from treatment to all patients with sepsis was higher (859, 288 pesetas per year of life gained) than that in patients treated for septic shock (293, 810 pesetas per year of life gained). The result was very sensitive to changes in those expected in survival of the patients treated.

CONCLUSIONS

In agreement with this cost efficacy analysis the hypothesis to authorize drug registry in Spain for the indication of septic shock is reinforced. The results may vary upon the obtaining of more clinical and epidemiologic information of the treatment.