An Economic Analysis Using Ribosomal Immunotherapy to Treat Children with Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Otitis media and rhinopharyngitis are common childhood illnesses, and are mostly treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics do not, however, prevent recurrences and can result in high treatment costs. This study analyses the cost of two treatment options for children with otitis media and rhinopharyngitis: immunoprophylaxis using a ribosomal immunostimulant (Ribomunyl®, Pierre Fabre Medicament, France) versus no immunoprophylaxis. The per-patient cost of Ribomunyl® in Austrian schillings [OS728 ($US1 = OS 12.80 at August 1997)] was found to be offset by direct savings through the prevention of acute infectious episodes. Ribosomal immunotherapy was found to be cost effective in the core analysis, in which costs of concomitant medication and out- and inpatient ENT-specialist services were not included. Based on a restricted core analysis, taking into account physician visits, antibiotics and Ribomunyl®, the net savings per patient on 6 months ranged from 7.0 to 12.0% in this most conservative estimate. The absolute savings per patient on 6 months were estimated to be between OS 162 and 315. Additional substantial savings could be expected from lower prescription frequencies of concomitant medication, and conservative surgical ENT-physician services, especially in cases requiring inpatient care. These savings have been evaluated and reinforce the results.