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Palivizumab in preventing respiratory syncytial virus-related hospitalization in high-risk infants

Bernhard Resch1

  • 1Research Unit for Neonatal Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Department, Medical University Graz, Austria. bernhard.resch@meduni-graz.at.

Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research
|June 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Palivizumab prophylaxis significantly reduces respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations in high-risk infants. However, economic studies show mixed results on its cost-effectiveness, with most indicating costs outweigh savings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants, leading to recurrent wheezing.
  • Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody, offers immunoprophylaxis against RSV for high-risk infants.
  • RSV hospitalizations significantly impact healthcare systems and infant health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of palivizumab for RSV prevention in infants.
  • To analyze the variability in economic outcomes across different studies.
  • To contextualize palivizumab's economic impact against the ongoing burden of RSV disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of approximately 36 economic studies on palivizumab cost-effectiveness.
  • Analysis of studies using direct cost savings and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).
  • Synthesis of findings considering RSV disease burden and treatment limitations.

Main Results:

  • Most cost-effectiveness analyses indicate palivizumab costs exceed savings from reduced hospitalizations.
  • A minority of studies reported positive cost-effectiveness using ICERs (cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained).
  • Significant variability exists in economic estimates, ranging from cost savings to substantial incremental costs.

Conclusions:

  • The cost-effectiveness of palivizumab remains debated due to variable study outcomes.
  • The ongoing burden of RSV and limited treatment options necessitate continued economic evaluation.
  • Further research, including vaccine development, is crucial for managing RSV economically and effectively.

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