Recombinant human erythropoietin usage in a large academic medical center

摘要: Objective Recombinant human erythropoeitin (rhEPO) is a highly effective but expensive drug used for the treatment of certain anemias. We considered opportunities to curtail inpatient rhEPO utilization in light therapeutic alternatives, drug's delayed onset action, and available literature. Study design A retrospective review administration large academic medical center between February June 2000 was conducted by using administrative databases. Methods The computerized pharmacy transaction file Hospital University Pennsylvania queried determine trends administration. then employed CaduCIS (CareScience, Philadelphia, PA) clinical diagnoses resources each receiving rhEPO. Results In study period, 248 inpatients received at least 1 dose. More than 100 different physicians, representing 20 departments divisions, ordered approximately 17 million units Hematology/Oncology accounted 33% all ordered, Surgery General Medicine 16% 14%, respectively. usual length stay patients varied considerably: 34% remained hospital or = 3 weeks. As many as began therapy inpatients. Of rhEPO, only 49% met labeled indications Conclusions At our institution, one half usage an off-label indication. Utilization patterns may suggest strategies conserving this scarce resource.