Cost-effective treatment for deep-vein thrombosis in rural tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to compare the cost of treating deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) using unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) among patients in rural tertiary care hospitals. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital from April 2017 to April 2019. Fifty-four patients who had symptoms of swelling of the unilateral or bilateral lower limb with or without pain were subjected to Padua prediction score and Doppler study of both lower limbs. Confirmed cases of DVT were treated with UFH or LMWH. The cost of these two treatments was compared. Results: The mean cost of heparin was 2493.33 ± 1406.27 Indian rupee (INR) in the study population. The mean cost of LMWH was 13,520 ± 9806.35 (INR) in the study population. There was a statistically significant difference between UFH and LMWH with regard to the cost of drugs (INR) for treatment (P < 0.001), which indicated that UFH was a cost-effective treatment compared to LMWH. Conclusions: The study's findings prove that UFH is a cost-effective treatment compared to LMWH in Rural Tertiary Care Hospitals for DVT. Based on the patient's affordability, the treatment decision can be made.

Keywords

• cost effectiveness
• deep-vein thrombosis
• heparin
• low-molecular-weight heparin