Cost of nitric oxide therapy in neonates

Abstract

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed to review the cost of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy in a UK neonatal intensive care setting over a 4-year period. 188 neonates with a median (IQR) gestational age and birth weight of 27 (24–37) weeks and 980 (695–2812) g, respectively, were treated with iNO. The median (IQR) duration of iNO therapy was 60 (22–129) hours. The mean cost of iNO therapy was approximately £820 per baby treated equivalent to £8.50 per hour of therapy. Alternative pricing models suggested a calculated cost of iNO therapy of between approximately £950 and £1350 per baby.