Economic evaluation of 4% albumin solution, gelatine, and hydroxyethylamidon for plasma volume expansion in cancer patients

Purpose. Given the potential advantages of the use of hydroxyethylamidon, the purpose of this cost analysis was to examine the economic consequences of the use of such derivatives compared to albumin and gelatine for fluid resuscitation in patients with various types of cancer.Methods. We report on the economic evalua tion conducted at the Montpellier Anticancer Center between July 1989 and December 1995. Patients with various types of cancer were included in the study. About 310 patients were treated each year. Since January 1991, an economic policy was undertaken to reduce the cost of treatment by volume expanders.Results. During the study period, the pharma ceutical price of these drugs, the number of patients, and the number of days of hospitalization remained relatively stable. From 1991 to 1995 of this economic evaluation, we observed a regular decrease in the utilization of fluid expanders. Indeed, 2370 vialswere used in 1990 and only 868 in 1995. In 1991, a new plasma volume expander, hydroxyethy...