Cost analysis of fondaparinux versus enoxaparin as venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in elective hip replacement surgery

Patients undergoing hip arthroplasty are at high risk for developing venous thromboembolic events (VTE) postoperatively in the absence of prophylaxis. In this study, a cost analysis comparing efficacy and safety data from a published trial evaluating fondaparinux and enoxaparin as VTE prophylaxis in hip replacement patients was performed. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios were calculated to determine cost per VTE avoided. Additionally, cost per death averted and cost per life year gained were calculated. Fondaparinux proved to offer minor cost savings when compared with 30 mg enoxaparin every 12 h for costs per VTE avoided, costs per death averted, and costs per life year gained. Sensitivity analyses support these findings.