Palivizumab: a debate about funding

J Paediatr Child Health. 2012 May;48(5):373-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01865.x. Epub 2010 Oct 6.

Abstract

A clinician and the chair of the hospital drug committee debate the merits of the use of palivizumab as prophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus infection for a preterm baby with oxygen-dependent, chronic lung disease and discuss the issue of public funding of palivizumab. An ethicist comments on ethical aspects of the debate about cost-effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / economics*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / economics*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Australia
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / complications
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Drug Costs*
  • Financing, Organized / ethics*
  • Health Care Rationing / economics
  • Health Care Rationing / ethics*
  • Hospital Costs / ethics*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Male
  • Palivizumab
  • Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee / ethics*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / complications
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / prevention & control

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Palivizumab