Increased cost effectiveness with nesiritide vs. milrinone or dobutamine in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure.

Despite recent advances in the treatment of patients with acute decompensated heart failure, the cost of treatment for such patients remains considerable. IV diuretics, vasodilators, and positive inotropic agents are commonly prescribed. A retrospective data analysis was conducted to determine the cost effectiveness of nesiritide compared with milrinone and dobutamine administered in a hospital setting during episodes of acute decompensated heart failure. Nesiritide-treated patients demonstrated a significantly lower overall hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and average cost per case compared with dobutamine or milrinone. Although the acquisition cost of nesiritide was higher than that of milrinone and dobutamine, nesiritide was a more cost-effective treatment option for patients with acute decompensated heart failure in this study.