Cost-effective adenosine dosing for the treatment of PSVT

Am J Emerg Med. 1999 Nov;17(7):633-4. doi: 10.1016/s0735-6757(99)90147-x.

Abstract

We reviewed our experience with adenosine for the conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) to determine whether the recommended dosing strategy of 6 mg, followed by 12 mg, is cost-effective in actual practice. We observed a 65% conversion rate to sinus rhythm with the initial dosage of 6 mg adenosine (95% CI, 54% to 75%), and, based on subsequent cost analysis, conclude that the current strategy should not be replaced by a 12-mg-first strategy. If the packaging of adenosine was changed so that 12 mg cost less than twice 6 mg, this analysis should be revisited.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / administration & dosage*
  • Adenosine / economics*
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / economics*
  • Coronary Disease / complications
  • Coronary Disease / drug therapy
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Packaging / economics
  • Emergency Treatment / economics
  • Emergency Treatment / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Injections, Intravenous / economics
  • Injections, Intravenous / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / drug therapy*
  • Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / etiology
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / drug therapy*
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Adenosine