Cost-effectiveness analysis of treatments for vertebral compression fractures.

Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) can be treated by nonsurgical management or by minimally invasive surgical treatment including vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to characterize the cost to Medicare for treating VCF-diagnosed patients by nonsurgical management, vertebroplasty, or kyphoplasty. We hypothesized that surgical treatments for VCFs using vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty would be a cost-effective alternative to nonsurgical management for the Medicare patient population.

Cost of routine immunization of young children against rotavirus infection with Rotarix versus RotaTeq.

Using a probabilistic model of the clinical and economic burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE), we estimated the expected impact of vaccinating a US birth cohort with Rotarix in lieu of RotaTeq. Assuming full vaccination of all children, use of Rotarix - rather than RotaTeq - was estimated to reduce the total number of RVGE events by 5% and associated costs by 8%. On an overall basis, Rotarix would reduce costs by $77.

Impact of methylphenidate formulation on treatment patterns and hospitalizations: a retrospective analysis.

Background: While stimulant therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there is less information concerning differences between alternative stimulant medications. The purpose of this study is to examine how different formulations of methylphenidate (MPH) affect treatment patterns and hospitalizations.

Methods: From a large claims database we retrospectively identified individuals age 6 or older who were diagnosed with ADHD and who received either once daily, extended-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS MPH) (e.

Effect of methylphenidate formulation on treatment patterns and use of emergency room services.

Purpose: The treatment patterns of and use of emergency room services by patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who initiated therapy with thrice-daily, immediate-release (IR) methylphenidate versus once-daily, extended-release (ER) oral system methylphenidate were studied.

Methods: Using a large claims database, patients who were newly initiated on either ER methylphenidate or IR methylphenidate were retrospectively identified. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in treatment patterns between individuals who initiated therapy on ER methylphenidate and those who initiated therapy on IR methylphenidate.

Outcomes of OROS methylphenidate compared with atomoxetine in children with ADHD: a multicenter, randomized prospective study.

This community-based study was designed to evaluate treatment outcomes with OROS methylphenidate (MPH) and atomoxetine in children with attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as assessed by physicians and parents in a setting that resembles clinical practice. In a multicenter, prospective, open-label study, children 6 to 12 years of age with ADHD were randomized (2:1, respectively) to 3 weeks of treatment with once-daily OROS MPH or atomoxetine. Investigatorrated measures of symptoms included the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement of Illness scale (CGI-I).

Continuity of methylphenidate treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Objective: To compare the continuity of methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) therapy among youth Medicaid beneficiaries treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) MPH formulations. Method An analysis was conducted of statewide California Medicaid claims (2000-2003) focusing on children and adolescents, ages 6 to 17 years, who started ER-MPH or IR-MPH treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The study cohorts were limited to youth who had not filled a prescription for MPHs, amphetamines, pemoline, or atomoxetine for 6 months preceding the index prescription and remained eligible for Medicaid benefits for the following 12 months.

Productivity and medical costs of diabetes in a large employer population.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the economic burden of diabetes from an employer's perspective. We analyzed the costs of diabetes, using claims data for an employed population and the prevalence of selected comorbid conditions.

Research Design And Methods: The data source is a claims database from a national Fortune 100 manufacturer.