Cost analysis: fondaparinux versus preoperative and postoperative enoxaparin as venous thromboembolic event prophylaxis in elective hip arthroplasty.

Patients undergoing hip arthroplasty in the absence of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) are at high risk for experiencing postoperative VTEs. In the study reported here, we performed cost analyses involving efficacy and safety data from clinical trials evaluating fondaparinux and enoxaparin as VTE prophylaxis. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated to determine cost per VTE avoided. In addition, cost per death averted and cost per life-year gained were calculated. Once-daily fondaparinux proved to be more cost-effective than once-daily enoxaparin 40 mg but less cost-effective than twice-daily enoxaparin 30 mg.