Protease inhibitors are cost effective anti-HIV therapy

P. Keiser, M. Kvanli, D. Turner, J. W. Smith, N. N. Nassar, C. R. Gregg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Protease inhibitor (PI) therapy is associated with fewer hospitalizations and in-patient cost savings. However, these savings may be offset by increased out-patient utilization. The Dallas VA Medical Center follows - 300 active HIV patients. PI therapy was begun early in 19%. We correlated the cost of PI therapy with the monthly in-patient and out-patient HIV related costs at our hospital to determine the cost effectiveness of PI therapy. Methods: The mean monthly number of hospital days, I.D. clinic visits , E.R. visits, in-patient costs, out-patient costs, and PI were determined for the following intervals: 2/96-6/96, 7/96-11/96 & 12/96-4/97. The monthly PI cost was then correlated to the monthly in-patient and out-patient cost. Results: Hospital utilization, and HIV related costs are summarized below. 2/96-6/96 7/96-11/96 12/96-4/97 P Hospital days 167 100 62 0.013 Clinic Visits 146 138 123 0.01 E.H. Visits 11.0 2.8 2.6 0.04 In-patient costs $160.415 $96,633 $59.875 0013 Out-patient costs $44,481 $35,084 $28,337 <0.01 PI costs $3,428 $7,906 $10,199 <0.01 There was a negative correlation between PI costs and in-patient cost (r = -0.74, p< 0.01), out-patient costs (r = -0.71, p<0.01) total HIV care cost (r = -0.87, p<001) Conclusions: PI therapy is associated with decreased hospital days, I.D. clinic visits and E.R. visits. There was a significant inverse correlation between rising PI costs and decreasing in-patient and out-patient HIV related costs, suggesting that PIs are cost effective therapv for HIV.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)396
Number of pages1
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume25
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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