A Cost-Saving Life-Saver: The Impact of Palivizumab in Columbia

By Thanusha Pillay

June 25, 2024

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the causative agent of a highly contagious lower respiratory tract infection that continues to pose a significant health risk worldwide. Infection can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia, and severe disease often occurs in young children and infants. Moreover, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation, and is more likely to be fatal in premature infants and those with underlying medical conditions.

The Burden of RSV in Colombia

In Colombia, the healthcare system struggles to accommodate all patients needing neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The high costs of expanding NICUs make it difficult to meet the demand. Consequently, prioritising the most severely ill patients becomes essential. This study explores the cost-effective strategy of using palivizumab to prevent RSV-related hospitalisations in three population groups: preterm neonates (≤ 35 weeks gestational age), infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and infants with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD).

Palivizumab: A Preventive Measure

Palivizumab is an immunoprophylaxis that reduces the risk of RSV-related hospitalisations. Clinical studies show that prophylactic use of palivizumab can lower the risk of hospitalisation by 55% for high-risk infants. By preventing severe RSV infections, this drug helps free up NICU beds for other critical cases. This strategy not only saves costs but also improves the quality of life for infants and their families.

Economic Evaluation of Palivizumab

The study used a decision tree model comparing costs and outcomes of using palivizumab versus not using it (Figure 1).

Fig. 1

Figure 1. Decision tree model structure with two health states for prophylaxis with palivizumab to prevent the respiratory syncytial virus in children

Each hospitalisation costs between $2,076 and $3,772, and the average price of each relapse is $174. Each patient experiences an average of 4.63 relapses per year for the first six years, resulting in an average saving of $4,834 per patient. While $174 per relapse may not significantly impact the Colombian health system, $4,834 represents substantial savings, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, prevention of wheezing exacerbations improves quality of life for these patients.

The likelihood that palivizumab is an effective treatment for preventing RSV infection compared to a placebo, given a willingness to pay of 1 GDP per capita in Colombia, is 95.4% for preterm neonates ≤ 35 weeks gestational age (wGA), 56.1% for infants with BPD, and 84.2% for infants with CHD.

figure 5

Figure 2. Willingness to pay curves to obtain the Maximum Net Benefit of palivizumab vs. placebo in preterm neonates ≤ 35 weeks gestational age in Colombia, 2022

Fig. 6

Figure 3. Willingness to pay curves to obtain the Maximum Net Benefit of palivizumab vs. placebo in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in Colombia, 2022.

figure 7

Figure 4. Willingness to pay curves to obtain the Maximum Net Benefit of palivizumab vs. placebo in infants with congenital heart disease in Colombia, 2022.

Key Findings and Implications

Palivizumab emerged as the dominant cost-saving strategy for preventing RSV-related hospitalisations in pre-term neonates  ≤ 35 wGA, infants with BPD, and infants with CHD. It also highlighted the importance of considering indirect costs, such as lost productivity of caregivers. By reducing hospitalisations, palivizumab allows the healthcare system to allocate resources more efficiently and treat other non-preventable diseases.

Conclusion

Implementing cost-saving strategies in healthcare can significantly impact patient outcomes and resource allocation. Preventive measures like palivizumab can improve care and reduce costs in Colombia’s challenged healthcare system.

Reference url

Recent Posts

elderly care costs 2025
      

Elderly Care Costs 2025: Rising Financial Pressures in Dutch Health Services

💡 Are you prepared for the surge in elderly care costs projected for 2025?

A recent report from Zorginstituut Nederland reveals that the financial burden on the Dutch health system is set to rise significantly due to demographic shifts and increased demand for complex care. As policymakers navigate these challenges, the insights address crucial implications for health economics, reimbursement strategies, and sustainable access to care.

Don’t miss out on understanding how these trends could shape the future of healthcare. Dive into the full article for comprehensive insights!

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #HealthcarePolicy #DigitalTransformation

silencing science impact
      

Silencing Science Impact: Political Interference and Global Health Consequences

🔍 Are political interventions threatening the very foundation of scientific integrity?

A recent article from the BMJ highlights alarming shifts within U.S. governance that are undermining scientific autonomy, equity in health research, and public trust. From funding cuts to the suppression of critical fields like climate science, the implications are far-reaching.

Curious about how these changes may affect the future of healthcare and innovative reimbursement? Dive into the full discussion to understand the stakes and potential solutions.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #HealthcarePolicy

AAP childhood obesity guidelines
     

Caution Advised: Conflicts in AAP Childhood Obesity Guidelines

Are childhood obesity guidelines driving us toward conflict? 🌍 The recent AAP guidelines suggest weight loss medications for children as young as eight, but undisclosed financial ties to drug manufacturers raise serious questions about credibility.

In this article, we dive into the implications of these conflicts and the evidence gaps surrounding pharmaceutical interventions in pediatric care. Transparency and trust are crucial when it comes to the health of our children—let’s explore what needs to change.

Read more to find out how these guidelines could impact families, clinicians, and healthcare policy.

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcarePolicy

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

JOIN NEWSLETTER

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.