Vaccinating Italian infants with a new multicomponent vaccine (Bexsero®) against meningococcal B disease: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

The European Medicines Agency has approved a multicomponent serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (Bexsero®) for use in individuals of 2 months of age and older. A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) from the societal and Italian National Health Service perspectives was performed in order to evaluate the impact of vaccinating Italian infants less than 1 y of age with Bexsero®, as opposed to non-vaccination. The analysis was carried out by means of Excel Version 2011 and the TreeAge Pro® software Version 2012.

Costs and quality of life in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) encompass a range of myeloid neoplasms characterised by a defect in haematopoietic stem cell maturation, resulting in peripheral cytopenias. As a major consequence, most MDS patients become anaemic, so as to require red blood cell transfusions. To investigate the costs and the impact on quality of life (QOL) of MDS-separately in transfusion-independent (TI) and -dependent (TD) patients-a literature search was conducted.

Abatacept or infliximab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate response to methotrexate: an Italian trial-based and real-life cost-consequence analysis.

Objectives: In the 1-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled ATTEST trial, efficacy of abatacept or infliximab versus placebo was reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX). The current study estimated trial-based and real-life costs of abatacept and infliximab for achieving pre-defined remission or low disease activity state (LDAS).

Methods: Quantity of drug, serious adverse event (SAE) rates and time (months) in remission or LDAS were taken from ATTEST for the trial-based calculation to derive a cost per remitting/LDAS patient and a cost per patient-month in remission/LDAS.

Cost of cystic fibrosis: analysis of treatment costs in a specialized center in northern Italy.

Introduction: Advances in cystic fibrosis (CF) therapy have resulted in improved survival and increasing treatment burden and costs. The economic impact of current treatment strategies for CF is poorly defined.

Methods: The authors prospectively assessed direct medical costs (including hospitalizations, outpatient interventions, drugs, devices, dietetic products) in 165 consecutive CF patients (aged 5-39 years) seen between March and July 2009.

Economic evaluation of levosimendan versus dobutamine for the treatment of acute heart failure in Italy.

Introduction: Inodilators are the first-choice class of drugs for the treatment of acute heart failure (AHF). Levosimendan is a relatively recent inodilatory agent, presenting superior outcomes in comparison with traditional inotropes.

Methods: An economic evaluation of levosimendan for the treatment of AHF in Italy was performed.