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Economic Impact of Preoperative Meloxicam IV Administration in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial Sub-Study
Richard D Berkowitz1, Richard Steinfeld2, Alexander P Sah3
1Richard D. Berkowitz, MD, FAAOS is with University Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Center, University Hospital, Tamarac, FL.
Abstract:
We evaluated the economic impact associated with preoperative meloxicam IV 30 mg vs placebo administration among adult total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recipients enrolled in Phase IIIB NCT03434275 trial. Data on total hospital costs and length of stay (LOS) obtained from the trial were compared between meloxicam IV 30 mg and placebo groups. Patients in the meloxicam IV 30 mg vs placebo group (n = 93 vs 88) incurred an adjusted $2,266 (95% CI: -$1,035, $5,116; p = 0.1689) lower total hospital costs and an adjusted 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.0%, 18.1%; p = 0.1082) shorter LOS. While statistically non-significant, based on 95% CIs, the results from this sub-study may suggest a favorable impact associated with meloxicam IV 30 mg on hospital costs and LOS.
Insights
Preoperative intravenous meloxicam 30 mg may reduce hospital costs and length of stay for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. This study suggests potential economic benefits, though results were not statistically significant.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure with significant healthcare costs.
- Optimizing perioperative management can impact economic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the economic impact of preoperative intravenous meloxicam 30 mg compared to placebo in adult TKA recipients.
- To analyze total hospital costs and length of stay (LOS) associated with meloxicam IV administration.
Main Methods:
- A sub-study of the Phase IIIB NCT03434275 trial compared TKA patients receiving meloxicam IV 30 mg (n=93) versus placebo (n=88).
- Total hospital costs and LOS data were collected and analyzed between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving meloxicam IV 30 mg experienced an adjusted $2,266 lower total hospital cost (95% CI: -$1,035, $5,116; p=0.1689).
- A statistically non-significant 8.6% shorter LOS was observed in the meloxicam IV group (95% CI: -2.0%, 18.1%; p=0.1082).
Conclusions:
- While not statistically significant, the confidence intervals suggest a potential favorable economic impact of preoperative meloxicam IV 30 mg on hospital costs and LOS in TKA patients.
- Further research may be warranted to confirm these economic benefits.
