Journal of medical economics
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To investigate adherence to dornase alfa therapy among commercially-insured patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to examine the impact of adherence on health and economic outcomes. ⋯ Adherence to dornase alfa was generally low, but varied by age and season. Adherence was not found to be significantly associated with respiratory exacerbations or total charges, but was associated with shorter hospital length of stay.
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To identify risk factors for initial treatment failure in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) settings, and to characterize the association between initial treatment failure and length of stay, total hospital charges, and mortality. ⋯ Approximately one in seven non-ICU CAP patients experience failure of initial antibiotic therapy. Risk of failure is higher for patients with significant comorbidities and/or severe infections. Non-ICU patients who experience initial treatment failure have significantly longer hospital stays, higher total hospital charges, and higher rates of mortality.
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This study aimed to examine the real-world healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and direct costs among chronic bronchitis (CB) patients treated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance medications. ⋯ HCRU and costs among CB patients were substantial during follow-up, despite treatment with COPD maintenance medications. Additional interventions aiming to prevent or reduce HCRU and costs among CB patients warrant exploration.
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Historically, the Renal Unit at King's College Hospital used intravenous (IV) iron sucrose (IS) to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease who were not on dialysis (CKD-ND). As part of a service initiative to improve patient experience, new products were considered as alternatives. This study investigated the potential impact on patient experience and service costs by switching from IS to ferric carboxymaltose (FCM). ⋯ FCM was associated with fewer hospital visits and reduced transport costs for CKD-ND patients receiving IV iron and has the potential to save 19-37% in service costs. Owing to increased administration efficiency, FCM can improve the overall patient experience while reducing the total cost of the King's College Hospital IV iron service for CKD-ND patients, compared with treatment with IS.
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To estimate the annualized differences in direct medical and indirect costs associated with improvement in fibromyalgia (FM) severity among pregabalin-treated patients. ⋯ Improvements in FM severity were associated with overall reductions in cost. Reductions in indirect costs may offset the costs of treatment with pregabalin.