PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF AN ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF RESONIUM USE IN ADULTS WITH CHRONIC HYPERKALEMIA

K LAMBERT 1,2, A BORST 1,  R BOWDEN , 1

1University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW; 2 Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW

Aim: To (i) determine total costs associated with Resonium use in one health district and (ii) compare the theoretical costs of using Resonium with referral to a dietitian for low potassium dietary advice in patients with chronic hyperkalemia.

Background: Resonium is commonly used for the management of hyperkalemia. A recent audit in our health district indicated that 432 patients with CKD received Resonium in the previous 12 months. Economic analysis comparing the cost of Resonium, with the cost of low potassium dietary advice has not been undertaken previously.

Methods: Total treatment costs of Resonium use in 432 adults were estimated for a 12-month period and included drug costs, and costs for consultations, monthly pathology monitoring and pharmacy dispensing time. Theoretical costs for referral to a dietitian for low potassium dietary advice were also determined. Due to a lack of equivalence studies, Resonium use was assumed to be equally as effective as low potassium dietary advice for the prevention of one admission per annum to hospital for treatment for hyperkalemia in adults with chronic hyperkalemia. No adjustments were made for adherence or quality of life due to lack of available valid data.

Results: Preliminary results indicate that the total treatment cost for Resonium use for 432 patients was $280 830 pa. Referring 33% of the patients who were prescribed Resonium to a dietitian for low potassium diet advice would save $92 674 per annum.

Conclusions: This analysis indicates that the cost of Resonium is significant for individuals and the health system. Referral to dietitians for treatment of chronic hyperkalemia may be cost effective. Further studies to determine equivalence and efficacy are required.

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