Access to recombinant erythropoietin by Medicare-entitled dialysis patients in the first year after FDA approval
Article Abstract:
The majority of Medicare patients undergoing dialysis for end-stage kidney disease may receive treatment with recombinant (genetically engineered) erythropoietin (rHuEPO). rHuEPO is a drug used to treat anemia in patients undergoing kidney dialysis that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1989. The percentage of Medicare patients undergoing kidney dialysis who were prescribed rHuEPO increased from 4% in Jul 1989 to 52% in Jun 1990. The cost to Medicare for treatment with rHuEPO increased from $1.2 million a month in Jul 1989 to $23.9 million a month in Jun 1990. White patients were more likely than black patients and women were more likely than men to receive rHuEPO through Medicare. Patients undergoing treatment at a dialysis center were more likely to receive rHuEPO than those undergoing dialysis at home.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Economic impact of immunization against rotavirus gastroenteritis: evidence from a clinical trial
Article Abstract:
The cost of immunizing newborns against rotavirus gastroenteritis, a cause of severe infant diarrhea, may be close to $12 per child. Researchers administered three oral doses of two different vaccines or a placebo to 1,187 children between 6 and 22 weeks old. The treatment group received either tetravalent or serotype 1 rhesus rotavirus vaccines. One fourth of the infants in the placebo group had episodes of rotavirus gastroenteritis compared to 12% to 13% in the vaccine groups. Extensive cost analysis determined a break-even point of $11 or $12 per infant. Rotavirus vaccines may be effective in controlling rotavirus gastroenteritis and disease-associated costs. Fewer cases of infant diarrhea would probably lower anxiety among parents and reduce related inconveniences, such as productivity at work.
Publication Name: Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1072-4710
Year: 1995
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Statin use and hospitalization for sepsis in patients with chronic kidney disease
Article Abstract:
The effect of treatment with statin medications on the rates of sepsis was studied in a prospective cohort study of patients who had chronic kidney disease and were receiving dialysis. The use of statins was found to be strongly and independently associated with a reduction in the risk of hospitalization for sepsis in the patients.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2007
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