Economic Evaluation of the Addition of Vancomycin to Cefazolin Prophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Arthroplasty

Abstract

Introduction: The addition of a glycopeptide antimicrobial to cephalosporin therapy has been reportedly adopted in practice to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). We conducted an economic evaluation from the healthcare sector perspective to assess the cost-effectiveness of adding vancomycin to cefazolin prophylaxis in patients undergoing arthroplasty. Methods: Data were collected over 180 days in a randomised controlled trial conducted at 11 hospitals in Australia, involving 2044 patients assigned to vancomycin and 2069 to placebo, both in addition to cefazolin. Health utilities were measured using EQ-5D-3L at baseline and 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days post-surgery. Healthcare costs (A..