Pharmacoeconomic considerations in peripheral arterial thrombolytic therapy

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Peripheral arterial occlusion (PAO) presents significant morbidity and mortality risks.
• Current treatment alternatives for PAO have limitations.
• Intraarterial thrombolysis is an established approach for managing arterial blockages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical advantages of intraarterial urokinase (UK) for treating acute and subacute peripheral arterial occlusion (PAO).
• To assess the impact of intraarterial UK therapy on overall healthcare costs and hospital length of stay.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of intraarterial UK in managing PAO.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients treated with intraarterial urokinase for PAO.
• Comparison of clinical outcomes (morbidity, mortality) between UK therapy and alternative treatments.
• Evaluation of healthcare costs, including hospital charges and length of stay.

Main Results:

• Intraarterial UK therapy demonstrated reduced morbidity and mortality compared to alternatives for both acute and subacute PAO.
• Hospital length of stay was similar for acute PAO and shortened for subacute PAO when treated with UK.
• Overall healthcare costs and total hospital charges were not significantly increased with intraarterial UK treatment.

Conclusions:

• Intraarterial thrombolysis with urokinase (UK) is clinically superior for treating peripheral arterial occlusion (PAO).
• UK therapy offers a cost-beneficial alternative, not increasing overall healthcare expenditures.
• This approach provides both improved patient outcomes and economic advantages in PAO management.