ObjectiveTo evaluate the economics of nafamostat mesylate compared with unfractionated heparin for continuous renal replacement therapy anticoagulation. MethodsA decision tree model was constructed to calculate the cost difference between the two anticoagulation methods. Survival analysis data comes from retrospective literature in Asian countries. The cost data comes from procurement data and the prices of medical and health services in some regions. A 72-hour scenario analysis is performed and a sensitivity analysis is performed on key parameters. ResultsThe basic analysis results showed that compared with the unfractionated heparin group, the total cost difference of nafamostat in the 144-hour CRRT treatment was 5 350.34 yuan, and the unfractionated heparin was more economical. In the 72-hour scenario analysis, unfractionated heparin is also more economical. Univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of single-use hemodialysis filters and supporting pipelines and the cost of plasma antithrombin Ⅲ activity (AT-Ⅲ) measurement had a greater impact on the change of the cost difference. The results of probability sensitivity analysis show that the model structure is stable and robust. When the unit price of nafamostat is about 110.82 yuan/piece, the cost of nafamostat and unfractionated heparin in 144-hour CRRT treatment is both 19 185.37 yuan, and the cost difference is 0.ConclusionWhen the unit price of nafamostat mesylate drops to a sufficiently low level, it could have an advantageous health economy.
