Cost-effectiveness of respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis with palivizumab

Background: A monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, directed against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been shown to decrease hospitalisation rates. Because of its expense, the cost-effectiveness of this agent should be determined for high-risk groups. Aim: To determine characteristics of RSV infection in Townsville and the economic feasibility of palivizumab immunoprophylaxis in high-risk groups. Methods: Cases of RSV-positive bronchiolitis were retrospectively identified. Cases were grouped according to recognised risk factors. The hypothetical costs of palivizumab immunoprophylaxis for infants at risk were calculated. Results: The rate of hospitalisation with RSV-positive lower respiratory tract infection was 22 per 1000 live births but increased to 50 per 1000 among Indigenous babies born weighing < 2500 g. The cost of preventing an admission in each of the identified high-risk groups, based on drug costs alone, ranged from A$69 861 to A$88 547. Conclusion: Palivizumab was not cost-effective in the prophylaxis of RSV in the high-risk group of infants tested here.