Abstract
BACKGROUND
Both heparin and enoxaparin are effective for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in medical patients. On the basis of price, heparin appears preferable because it is less expensive. However, choosing enoxaparin may have greater cost utility when the outcomes of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT) are considered.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cost utility of substituting enoxaparin for heparin from payer and institutional perspectives.
DESIGN
A decision analysis model was used. Cost data were based on Medicare reimbursement and the medication and laboratory costs for a multi‐institutional healthcare system. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) saved by preventing HIT/HITT through the use of enoxaparin were based on published data. Costs are expressed on a per‐day basis, and the incremental cost of enoxaparin over that of heparin was used in the calculation of cost/QALY. A sensitivity analysis also was performed.
SETTING
Inpatient medicine.
PATIENTS
All medical patients for whom VTE prophylaxis was appropriate.
INTERVENTIONS
Substitution of enoxaparin for heparin.
MEASUREMENT
Cost/QALY.
RESULTS
From a payer perspective, using enoxaparin resulted in a decrease in cost of $28.61 over that of heparin and saved 0.00629 QALYs in the base case, resulting in a savings of $4550.17/QALY. The sensitivity analysis showed this finding of decreased cost and increased effectiveness to be consistent. From an institutional perspective, the use of heparin generally appeared less costly but was dependent on medication price, length of stay required, and bed utilization.
CONCLUSIONS
From a payer and, by extrapolation, a societal perspective, cost‐utility analysis supports the use of enoxaparin in place of heparin for the prevention of VTE in medical inpatients. From an institutional perspective, the decision is more complicated, but in most cases, the use of enoxaparin also is supported. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2006;3:168–176. © 2006 Society of Hospital Medicine.