Related Experiment Videos
Contrast medium-induced adverse reactions: economic outcome
N R Powe1, E P Steinberg, J E Erickson
1Program for Medical Technology and Practice Assessment of the Center for Hospital Finance and Management, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore MD.
Radiology
|October 1, 1988
Summary
High-osmolality contrast media (HOM) adverse reactions are common but cost-effective. Managing these reactions is less expensive than the increased material cost of using low-osmolality contrast media (LOM).
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Economics
- Patient Safety
Background:
- High-osmolality contrast media (HOM) are associated with adverse reactions.
- Low-osmolality contrast media (LOM) have a higher material cost.
- The economic impact of managing HOM adverse reactions requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the costs associated with managing adverse reactions to HOM.
- To compare these costs with the increased material expenses of LOM.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 795 inpatients undergoing procedures with intravascular injection of HOM.
- Measurement and cost estimation of resources used for managing HOM-induced adverse reactions.
- Categorization of reactions by severity (Class 1, 2, 3).
Main Results:
- 51% of patients experienced adverse reactions to HOM.
- 12% of patients required resources for reaction management.
- Average hospital cost per patient for managing reactions ranged from $2.52 (Class 1) to $910 (Class 3).
- The material cost difference between HOM and LOM ranged from $93 to $179 per procedure.
Conclusions:
- The cost of managing HOM adverse reactions is significantly lower than the increased material cost of LOM.
- Universal substitution of LOM for HOM would likely result in higher overall healthcare expenditure.
- HOM remains a cost-effective choice when considering the total cost of contrast media and adverse event management.