A stochastic approach to the pharmacotherapeutic management of chronic moderate adult asthma

• Main Author: Race, Lynda M.
• Other Authors: Gaver, Donald Paul, Jr.
• Language: en_US
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/7582

This thesis demonstrates stochastic modelling techniques for the quantitative evaluation of the effects of three different pharmacotherapy protocols of chronic moderate adult asthma on hospital services (emergency room use and hospitalizations). The therapies compared were: (1) inhaled beta2-agonist agent and inhaled cromolyn; (2) inhaled beta2-agonist agent and an inhaled conticosteroid agent; (3) inhaled beta2-agonist agent and sustained-release theophylline. The combined therapy of an inhaled beta2-agonist agent and an inhaled corticosteroid agent had the lowest cost-effectiveness ratio of the three treatments indicating it should be the therapy of choice when associated hospital costs are included. Even though the inhaled beta2-agonist agent and sustained-release theophylline protocol had the lowest maintenance medication costs, it also had the highest cost-effectiveness ratio, suggesting it is the least desirable therapy when associated hospital services are included in the costs.