Cost-effectiveness of psoriasis therapy with etanercept in Germany.

Background: We estimated the cost-effectiveness of intermittent therapy with etanercept in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis in comparison to non-systemic therapy in Germany.

Patients And Methods: We performed a cost-utility analysis using the endpoint costs per quality-adjusted life year gained (costs/QALY). For this purpose, we adapted a UK-based Markov model by means of resource use data that we derived from a German cost study.

[Costs of patient controlled analgesia in postoperative pain management in Germany].

Purpose: This systematic literature review was conducted to analyze the costs of postoperative patient controlled analgesia (PCA) in Germany.

Methods: The literature search comprised the search criteria "therapeutic procedure", "postoperative pain management", the routes of administration "intravenous PCA" (PCIA) and "epidural PCA" (PCEA), as well as their corresponding costs and economic analyses.

Results: Due to differences in indications, calculated costs and medical expenses it was not possible to compare the results from the respective studies.

[Treatment costs of otogenic vertigo].

Purpose: In this decision-tree analysis, the costs of otogenic vertigo treatment were investigated from the third-party payer's perspective. Either the combination preparation, with cinnarizine 20 mg and dimenhydrinate 40 mg as active substances, or betahistine (12 mg betahistinedimesilate) was administered.

Methods: A core model, based on clinical studies, was developed and a cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted.

Added therapeutic value of memantine in the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

When evaluating the added therapeutic value of a drug, evidence of greater overall benefit or at least an add-on benefit is increasingly being required. Therefore, cost-effectiveness in addition to clinical efficacy is an important consideration. The efficacy of a drug must be examined on the basis of clinical trials by measuring specific parameters that are affected by the drug (for example blood pressure with antihypertensive treatment).

Monitoring heart functions using telemetry.

Unlabelled: HEALTH-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND: The conditions for area-wide utilisation of telemedicine on national and European levels have to be developed. Before the nation-wide implementation in Germany can take place, the effectiveness of the structures and services of telemedicine has to be verified under everyday conditions. The utilisation of telemedicine has been assessed in recent HTA-reports that cover the existing scientific knowledge.