In many jurisdictions, cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) plays an important role in determining drug coverage and reimbursement and, therefore, has the potential to impact patient access. Health economic guidelines recommend the inclusion of future costs related to the intervention of interest...

This article provides an overview of the clinical profile of the calcimimetic agent cinacalcet (Mimpara, Sensipar) in the treatment of patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) undergoing dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), followed by a comprehensive review of pharmacoeconomic...

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are genetically engineered forms of erythropoietin that are used in the treatment of anaemia. Their successful use in the treatment of anaemia associated with renal disease, cancer and other diseases, as well as the development of multiple agents, has...

Chronic disease and collaboration (people The aim of this article is to outline four approaches to collaboration - epidemiologically focused collaborations, research-based consortiums, organizational-change collaborations, and patient-focused disease management strategies - currently employed to...

The National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) is a public service program that addresses the gaps in chronic kidney disease (CKD) awareness and care. This free, voluntary, community-based program is designed to screen people at risk of CKD and promote CKD...

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of aminoglycoside antibacterials with the goal of minimising toxicity and maximising effectiveness has become routine. Successful management of serious infections requires the ability to achieve therapeutic peak concentrations, while maintaining low trough...

Disease-state management is gaining in use for the management of chronically ill individuals including those with diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, asthma, and some forms of cancer. Recently, disease management (DM) has been applied to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a...

Health outcomes measurement has become increasingly important in the care of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Interest has been stimulated by the relatively poor outcomes of patients with ESRD, variations in the process of care, the high costs of ESRD care, and the development of...

Background: In the Ramipril Efficacy In Nephropathy (REIN) trial, ramipril significantly lowered the rate of reaching the combined end-point of doubling of baseline serum creatinine levels or end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Objective: To determine the additional cost per patient-year of chronic...