Abstract
Gentamicin and tobramycin were compared for cost effectiveness in the treatment of adult patients with serious infections in a general medical service. We used data from a randomized double-blind trial in which the only observed difference between the clinical effects of these aminoglycosides was the incidence of nephrotoxicity (26% with gentamicin and 12% with tobramycin). According to 1984 cost data, the combined average drug and nephrotoxicity costs per patient were $127 for tobramycin and $72 for gentamicin. An extensive sensitivity analysis - varying frequency and cost of nephrotoxicity, dialysis requirements, aminoglycoside acquisition costs, and length of hospitalization - showed gentamicin to be more cost effective than tobramycin, unless hospitalization is prolonged by an average of at least 15 days for patients with moderate or severe nephrotoxicity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 764-769 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Annals of internal medicine |
Volume | 101 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1984 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Internal Medicine