The first health economic study evaluating the effect of introducing measurements of exhaled NO in asthma management has been published.The objective of the study was to assess the impact on direct costs for asthma management in Germany when NIOX MINO is purchased and used.
The study is based on an estimated future reimbursement of 32 Euro per exhaled NO test. The study shows that regular measurements of exhaled NO with NIOX MINO in asthma patients using inhaled corticosteroids result in a cost saving of 30 Euro per patient and year. In patients with more severe asthma, the use of NIOX MINO resulted in a cost saving of 160 Euro per patient and year.
The cost savings were achieved as a result of therapy being optimally adjusted based on NIOX MINO test results. Incorporating measurements of exhaled NO, the number of acute hospital visits was reduced and lower doses of anti-inflammatory medication were required to keep the patient’s asthma controlled. The introduction of regular measurements of exhaled NO balances the costs incurred for the tests performed with NIOX MINO and generates a cost saving.
The article has been e-published ahead of print in Respiratory Medicine.
”The fact that exhaled NO measurements reduce the overall cost of therapy as well as dramatically improve airway disease management is of significant importance both for the patient and for the continued establishment of exhaled NO in clinical practice,” says Paul de Potocki, CEO Aerocrine.
January 14, 2008
A link to the study "Economic evaluation of FE(NO) measurement in diagnosis and 1-year management of asthma in Germany" by Berg J, Lindgren P. (Respir Med 2008;102:219–231) can be found here.