PHARMACOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF MICAFUNGIN USING IN THE TREATMENT OF INVASIVE CANDIDIASIS IN NEWBORNS

Abstract

Invasive candidiasis is a common cause of neonatal sepsis, especially in children with very low birth weight. This study, for the first time in the world of medical research, shows the results of the clinico-economical expertise of using micafungin to treat invasive candidosis in newborns. Mathematical modeling methods were applied to calculate the total cost of treatment while considering such factors as the effectiveness of treatment and the possibility of fatal cases in comparison groups. In the research a group of newborns (the first 28 days of life) received primary prevention with azole antifungal drugs (fluconazole). Results showed that micafungin is more expensive but more effective and safer compared with amphotericin B. At the same time, the additional costs associated with micafungin, were below the society’s willingness-to-pay threshold, therefore there are no restrictions for micafungin use in newborns. The costs justifiability coefficient for using micafungin in the treatment of invasive candidiasis in newborns was also higher compared with using amphotericin B (by 57%).
Key words: invasive candidiasis, newborns, micafungin, pharmacoeconomics.