Use of ephedrine prefilled syringes reduces anesthesia costs

• Published in: Annales françaises d'anesthésie et de réanimation 2009-03, Vol.28 (3), p.211
• Main Authors: Bellefleur, J-P, Milhaud, Y, Beconcini, G, Zieleskiewicz, L, Ortega, D, Martin, C, Leone, M
• Format: Article
• Language: fre
• Subjects: Adrenergic Agents - administration & dosage; Adrenergic Agents - economics; Adrenergic Agents - therapeutic use; Adult; Analgesia, Epidural - adverse effects; Analgesia, Epidural - economics; Analgesia, Obstetrical - adverse effects; Anesthesia, Epidural - adverse effects; Anesthesia, Epidural - economics; Anesthesia, Obstetrical - adverse effects; Anesthesia, Obstetrical - economics; Anesthesia, Spinal - adverse effects; Anesthesia, Spinal - economics; Anesthetics, Local - adverse effects; Cesarean Section; Cost Savings; Drug Costs - statistics & numerical data; Drug Packaging; Ephedrine - administration & dosage; Ephedrine - economics; Ephedrine - therapeutic use; Female; France; Hospitals, University - economics; Hospitals, University - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Hypotension - drug therapy; Hypotension - economics; Hypotension - etiology; Obstetric Labor Complications - drug therapy; Obstetric Labor Complications - economics; Obstetric Labor Complications - etiology; Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital - economics; Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital - statistics & numerical data; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Syringes - economics
• ISSN: 1769-6623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.annfar.2008.12.004

The aim of the present study was to compare the consumption and cost of ephedrine in parturients with respect to two packagings: ampoules and prefilled syringes. Prospective observational study in a French university obstetrical unit. Assessing the consumption and cost of ephedrine during two consecutive periods of 14 days: use of ampoules for period 1 (P1) versus use of prefilled syringes for period 2 (P2). Consumption was daily evaluated. The costs (ampoules and consumable supplies for P1 and prefilled syringes for P2) were calculated on the basis of the price list given by our institutional pharmacy. The number of parturients and the anaesthetic techniques which were performed were prospectively recorded. One hundred and thirteen parturients were managed for the present study. The number of parturients and the anaesthetic care were similar between the two periods. In contrast, 155 ampoules were used for P1 versus 45 prefilled syringes for P2 (p