Cost effectiveness of palivizumab in Spain: an analysis using observational data

OBJECTIVES: To assess the cost effectiveness of palivizumab for prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in high-risk infants in Spain, incorporating country-specific observational hospitalisation data. METHODS: An existing decision tree model, designed using data from a large international clinical trial of palivizumab versus no prophylaxis, was updated to include Spanish observational hospitalisation data. The analysis was performed for preterm children born at or before 32 weeks gestational age, who are at high risk of developing severe RSV disease requiring hospitalisation. Data sources included published literature, official price/tariff lists and national population statistics. The primary perspective of the study was that of the Spanish National Health Service in 2006. RESULTS: The base-case analysis included the direct medical costs associated with palivizumab prophylaxis and hospital care for RSV infections. Use of palivizumab produces an undiscounted incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €6,142 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), and a discounted ICER of €12,814/QALY. CONCLUSION: Palivizumab provides a cost-effective method of prophylaxis against severe RSV disease requiring hospitalisation among preterm infants in Spain.