Recombinant human DNase (rhDNase) in cystic fibrosis: is it cost effective?

Recent advances in cystic fibrosis

The median life expectancy for cystic fibrosis is now over 30 years, and it is projected that in newborn infants it will become more than 40 years. The identification of the cystic fibrosis gene and its product, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), has widened the spectrum of the disease from the classical case of the infant with cystic fibrosis to the elderly childless man with unexplained bronchiectasis. There is increasing evidence of the advantages of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis and subsequent specialist care. Management concentrates on optimising nutritional status and preventing lung infection and inflammation.

Dornase alpha and survival of patients with cystic fibrosis

Dornase alpha can offer substantial clinical benefits to cystic fibrosis patients, but its long-term impact is as yet unknown. This article attempts to model the impact of continuous dornase alpha use on patient survival and its cost implications for the health-care provider.