Cost-effectiveness of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a systematic and qualitative review.

The introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) into clinical practice represented a major change in the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF); drugs as effective as the gold standard were available, rapidly functioning and without major interferences with drugs and foods. However, a huge increase in the economic burden of NVAF was predicted, and many cost-effectiveness analyses were developed to aid policy makers and clinicians in implementing strategies for the prevention of stroke in NVAF. The present systematic review identified 54 studies from 21 different countries, reporting the incremental cost-effectiveness of dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban and edoxaban.

Examination of the safety of pediatric vaccine schedules in a non-human primate model: assessments of neurodevelopment, learning, and social behavior.

Background: In the 1990s, the mercury-based preservative thimerosal was used in most pediatric vaccines. Although there are currently only two thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) recommended for pediatric use, parental perceptions that vaccines pose safety concerns are affecting vaccination rates, particularly in light of the much expanded and more complex schedule in place today.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the safety of pediatric vaccine schedules in a non-human primate model.