Publikationen

Wilke T, Winkler J. Reflux in Germany. Results of a Survey. The Open Gastroenterology Journal. 2008;2:28-37

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study, conducted over a period of two weeks in summer 2006, was to collect representative data about reflux in Germany. 

METHODS

1,892 persons in five German cities and the Federal city-state of Berlin were questioned about the frequency and severity of their reflux symptoms, and what treatments they had opted for. Moreover, this study collected data about sociodemographic and socioeconomic status of the respondents. So the relationship between this status and the prevalence of reflux symptoms and individual treatment decisions could be analyzed. 

RESULTS

Approximately 50% of the interviewees had personally experienced typical reflux symptoms. Approximately 21% of the sample had suffered from these symptoms during the 4 weeks prior to the survey. Typical sociodemographic factors such as gender and socioeconomic factors such as social status explain neither the appearance nor the severity of reflux symptoms; age alone exerts a small positive influence on both variables. Approximately 80% of the interviewees with acute reflux treated their symptoms; dominant choices in this context are dieting, self-medication with OTC drugs, and the consultation of medical experts. 

CONCLUSIONS

Comparing results of this survey with earlier data, reflux prevalence in Germany is rising. Mostly, acutely ill patients treat their symptoms. Surprisingly, socioeconomic status plays no role in explaining treatment decisions of patients.

Wilke T, Kulle M, Gotal G, Hohmann C. Tablette versus Spritze – eine betriebswirtschaftlich-pharmakoökonomische Analyse von Antikoagulanzien in sechs Krankenhäusern. Gesundh ökon Qual manag 2006;11(3):184-190.

Abstract

The thrombin-inhibitor Melagatran/Ximelagatran (Exanta®) is the first drug for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism after total hip or knee replacement surgeries (THR/TKR) that patients can take orally in hospitals. In a managerial pharmacoeconomic analysis of six German hospitals the use of Melagatran/Ximelagatran was compared to the use of low molecular weight heparins. The analysis shows that the application of the new drug leads to an economic advantage for the hospital of 2.78 EURO per patient and day. The result has straight implications for drug decisions in hospitals. In order to demonstrate that fact, that price difference between Melagatran/Ximelagatran and low molecular weight heparins was derived that leads exactly to their “economic neutrality” from the hospital point of view.