Ximelagatran cost effectiveness for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Background: The benefit of warfarin for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation has been demonstrated in various clinical trials. Warfarin has a nan'ow therapeutic window and carries a significant risk ofbleeding. Ximelagatran is a new oral antithrombotic with predictable plasma concentrations and excellent bioavailability. Aim: To compare the costs and benefits of ximelagatran to that of warfarin and aspirin. Method: In a preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis, the costs and clinical consequences ofwarf31in, aspirin and ximelagatran were compared. The principal outcome was measured in the fonn of an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. A decision analysis model was constructed to map the expected outcomes of three treatment alternatives. Sensitivity analysis tested the robustness of the data.