A controlled trial of the cost benefit of computerized bayesian aminoglycoside administration

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1991 Jun;49(6):685-94. doi: 10.1038/clpt.1991.86.

Abstract

We studied the effect of a bayesian pharmacokinetic dosing program on the outcome of aminoglycoside therapy in patients with clinical infections. Patients were randomized to a control (dosing based on physician choice; n = 75) or experimental group (dosing based on the bayesian program; n = 72). Both groups used serum aminoglycoside concentration data when making dosing decisions. Improved response rates were seen in the experimental (60%; 42/68) compared with the control group (48%; 36/68). A higher, but not statistically significant, incidence of toxicity was found in the control (7/75; 9.7%) versus the experimental group (4/72; 5.1%). Mean length of total hospital stay was significantly longer for patients in the control group (20.3 days) compared with the experimental group (16.0 days) (p = 0.028). The variables from multivariate analysis with a significant impact on length of stay were patient group and length of aminoglycoside therapy. On the basis of a reduced length of stay, a potential cost savings of $1311 per patient can be achieved.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aminoglycosides / administration & dosage*
  • Aminoglycosides / blood
  • Aminoglycosides / pharmacokinetics
  • Bayes Theorem*
  • Computers
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay / economics
  • Male
  • Regression Analysis

Substances

  • Aminoglycosides