Cost analysis on the use of rituximab and calcineurin inhibitors in children and adolescents with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome

Background Rituximab (RTX) is increasingly being used in place of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). However, despite its favorable safety profile, its unit cost is prohibitive. We therefore compared the healthcare costs associated with the use of both agents in a retrospective cohort. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of data retrieved from the medical charts and electronic databases of pediatric patients (age range 2–18 years) with SDNS who were treated with either CNI or RTX from January 2008 to December 2012 at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, Louisiana. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Results Of the 18 patients whose medical data were analyzed, ten received RTX and eight were treated with CNI. The annualized healthcare cost for the rituximab group was $197,031 versus $189,857 (all values in US dollars) for the CNI group ( p > 0.05). At the 12-month follow-up, more patients in the RTX group were in remission (40 vs. 25%). Duration of freedom from steroid use was longer in the RTX group, while body mass index was higher in the CNI arm ( p > 0.05). No significant adverse events occurred in either group. Conclusion The expenditure for the RTX and CNI groups was comparable, but there were fewer clinical encounters in the former group, potentially reducing the burden of healthcare on the patient’s family.