706 Clinical and Economic Impact of a Partially Hydrolyzed Formula in the Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in Spanish Children

Background and aims: The costs and consequences of NIDAL EXCEL HA, a specific brand of partially hydrolyzed formula (PHF), were determined in the prevention of atopic dermatitis (AD) for “at risk” children when compared to standard cow's milk formula (CMF) in Spain. Although extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF) is not officially indicated in prevention, a secondary analysis compared PHF to EHF. Methods: The treatment pathways of AD, as well as resource utilization and associated costs, were synthesized into an economic model analysing the use of PHF in healthy yet “at risk” Spanish newborns who were not exclusively breastfed. Inputs were obtained from the literature, official formularies and expert opinion for a 12-month time horizon, with an initial six months of formula consumption. Treatment pathways included dietary management approach (formula change), medical treatment approach (corticosteroid use) and a combination thereof. The final outcome was the expected incremental cost per avoided AD case for PHF vs. the other formulas. Results: For the 2009 birth cohort, 4,216 AD cases would be avoided by selecting PHF over CMF, with respective formula costs of € 34.3 million and € 32.2 million, resulting in € 504 in costs for society per avoided case by PHF. Due to similar efficacy in preventing AD and a lower cost, PHF demonstrated cost savings when compared to EHF (approximately € 16 million). Conclusions: PHF appears to be best positioned at preventing AD symptoms at a reasonable cost when compared to CMF and with a cost saving when compared to EHF.