Asthma outcome changes associated with use of the leukotriene-receptor antagonist zafirlukast.

A new class of asthma drugs modifying the leukotriene pathway was introduced in 1996. The authors investigated outcome changes associated with use of the leukotriene-receptor antagonist zafirlukast. The study group included patients with asthma (12-64 yr), most with mild-to-moderate, persistent asthma, who had at least two zafirlukast prescriptions within 90 days after the start of zafirlukast treatment. Zafirlukast treatment was associated with reductions in occurrence of outpatient visits, emergency department visits, inpatient stays, and prescriptions for short-acting beta-adrenergic agonists in the next six months (all P < .05). A 12-month pre- and post-zafirlukast treatment comparison in a smaller group of patients and a classification of patients into three mutually exclusive outcome groups (increase, decrease, or no change in outcome events) verified the majority of the findings. A cost analysis from a third-party perspective indicated that costs of zafirlukast treatment were more than offset by cost savings associated with the reductions in outcome events.

Cost-effective treatment of asthma.

Managed care organizations are monitoring asthma to decrease costs relating to health care utilization. Comparisons between primary care providers and asthma specialists reflect better outcomes, treatment programs, and higher patient satisfaction and outcomes for less cost.

UMDNJ and managed care.

Managed care organizations and academic medical centers initially have been at opposite ends of the cost containment spectrum. UMDNJ, the largest free-standing health care university in the United States, responds to the competitive managed health care market.

Home health care costs: intravenous immunoglobulin home infusion therapy.

BACKGROUND: Home health care has been touted as a cost-saving option for many immune disorders, especially those requiring intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). OBJECTIVE: To determine the costs for home infusions of IVIG, a comparative study of Home Health Agency prices was undertaken. METHOD: A survey of 25 Home Health Agencies that provide IVIG therapy in northern and central New Jersey was conducted by telephone and office interviews. RESULTS: Thirteen companies provided price quotations for services and IVIG. The highest-priced companies charge approximately four times more for IVIG infusions than the lowest-priced companies, and many agencies offer the therapy at moderate costs. CONCLUSION: IVIG can be obtained and administered in the home in more cost-effective ways if comparative pricing is done.

Home infusion therapy: comparison of costs for intravenous immunoglobulin.

Increasing utilization of intravenous immunoglobulin home therapy has stimulated a scramble by various home health agencies for this high-priced business. A comparison of costs illustrates wide disparity among companies serving patients in New Jersey.