At-home bleaching versus whitening toothpastes for treatment of tooth discoloration: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of whitening toothpastes and at-home bleaching for the treatment of tooth discoloration. Methodology A cost-effectiveness economic analysis was conducted, and eight randomized clinical trials were selected based on the whitening agent product used: blue covarine dentifrices (BCD), hydrogen peroxide dentifrices (HPD), dentifrices without bleaching agents (CD, negative control), and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP10, positive control) for at-home bleaching. The consumer/patient perspective was adopted, macro-costing techniques were used and a decision tree model was performed considering the costs in the American and Brazilian markets. The color change evaluation (ΔE*ab) was used to calculate the effectiveness of tooth bleaching. A probabilistic analysis was performed using a Monte Carlo simulation and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were obtained. Results CP10 resulted in the highest cost-effectiveness compared to the use of dentifrices in both markets. In Brazil, HPD was more cost-effective than BCD and CD. In the US, the increased costs of HPD and BCD did not generate any whitening benefit compared to CD. Conclusions CP10 was more cost-effective than BCD and HPD for tooth bleaching from the perspectives of the Brazilian and American markets. Decision-making should consider the use of CP10 for treating tooth discoloration.

Contribution margin per hour of operating room to reallocate unutilized operating room time: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Background and objectives: Contribution margin per hour (CMH) has been proposed in healthcare systems to increase the profitability of operating suites. The aim of our study is to propose a simple and reproducible model to calculate CMH and to increase cost-effectiveness. Methods: For the ten most commonly performed surgical procedures at our Institution, we prospectively collected their diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement, variable costs and mean procedural time. We quantified the portion of total staffed operating room time to be reallocated with a minimal risk of overrun. Moreover, we calculated the total CMH with a random reallocation on a first come-first served basis. Finally, prioritizing procedures with higher CMH, we ran a simulation by calculating the total CMH. Results: Over a two-months period, we identified 14.5 hours of unutilized operating room to reallocate. In the case of a random ''first come -first serve'' basis, the total earnings were 87,117 United States dollars (USD). Conversely, with a reallocation which prioritized procedures with a high CMH, it was possible to earn 140,444 USD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Surgical activity may be one of the most profitable activities for hospitals, but a cost-effective management requires a comprehension of its cost profile. Reallocation of unused operating room time according to CMH may represent a simple, reproducible and reliable tool for elective cases on a waiting list. In our experience, it helped improving the operating suite cost-effectiveness.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of minimally invasive rotational surgery and open surgery for benign breast tumor / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To compare the cost-effectiveness between open surgery and minimally invasive rotational surgery in patients with benign breast tumor, and to provide a theoretical support for the choice of surgical approach.Methods:The clinical data of 1 389 benign breast tumor patients underwent surgery from January 2017 to January 2020 in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 374 patients were treated with open surgery (open group), and 1 015 patients were treated with minimally invasive rotational surgery (minimally invasive group). The surgery-related and cost-effectiveness analysis indexes were compared between two groups.Results:The operation time, incidence of hematoma/subcutaneous bruising and cosmetic result satisfactory rate in minimally invasive group were significantly higher than those in open group: (37.37 ± 6.66) min vs. (34.58 ± 8.95) min, 10.54% (107/1 015) vs. 5.35% (20/374) and 98.72% (1 002/1 015) vs. 95.99% (359/374); while the incision length, length of hospital stay and pain score were significantly less than those in open group: (5.00 ± 0.00) mm vs. (26.55 ± 4.73) mm, (1.03 ± 0.36) d vs. (2.85 ± 1.99) d, (1.76 ± 1.56) scores vs. (2.72 ± 1.27) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The patients were followed up until May 2022. There were no incision infection, recurrence and residual lesions in the two groups. The total cost and cost-effectiveness ratio in minimally invasive group were significantly lower than those in open group: (6 553 ± 1 150) yuan vs. (7 965 ± 3 323) yuan and 71.10 ± 13.61 vs. 88.96 ± 37.48, the benefit score was significantly higher than that in open group: (96.50 ± 3.89) scores vs. (88.92 ± 6.39) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Compared with open surgery, minimally invasive rotational surgery is less costly and more benefits, so minimally invasive surgery should be the preferred surgical procedure for benign breast tumor.

Research progress on the disease burden of pneumoconiosis in China / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Pneumoconiosis is the largest and most serious disease among the legal occupational diseases in China, which causes long-term heavy disease burden to individuals, enterprises and society. How to scientifically and reasonably measure and reduce the health impact and economic loss caused by pneumoconiosis has become a key and difficult research topic. In recent years, with the development of global burden of disease (GBD) research, some scholars have adopted disease burden index to evaluate the disease burden of pneumoconiosis, but the research results and data are relatively independent, and there is a lack of systematic evaluation system and framework. This paper summarized the application of disease burden assessment index for pneumoconiosis, epidemiological and economic burden of pneumoconiosis, and the cost-effectiveness of reducing the burden. This paper aims to understand the present situation of pneumoconiosis disease burden in our country, discover the problems and challenges of pneumoconiosis disease burden research in our country now. It provides scientific basis for the research and application of pneumoconiosis and other occupational disease burden in China, as well as the formulation of comprehensive intervention measures, optimization of health resources allocation and reduction of disease burden.

Dengue control in the State of Goiás-Brazil using "wMel Wolbachia": a cost-effectiveness study

Dengue and other arboviruses have a considerable economic impact in Brazil. There are vector control strategies for dengue: traditional control with pesticides, Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) with "wMel Wolbachia", and Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Objective: To analyze the cost-effectiveness ratio of the IIT/SIT strategy, compared to traditional vector control with pesticides, for dengue prevention from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (BPHS) as the payer and from the societal perspective in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Methods: The two strategies were compared using a decision tree model developed in Amua® software. All estimated parameters were derived from published articles or SUS information systems. The willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), years of life gained, costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) were adopted as study outcomes and parameters. We conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results: Form the BPHS perspective, the IIT-SIT strategy is cost-effective, with an ICUR of R$ 72,200 per QALY gained, which is lower than the WTP of R$ 122,064.30/QALY gained. From the societal perspective, the IIT-SIT strategy is dominant (cheaper and more effective than traditional vector control). Sensitivity analyses showed that these results are reliable. Conclusion: In the state of Goiás, Brazil, the IIT/SIT strategy is cost-effective from the perspective of BPHS and dominant from the societal perspective, when compared to traditional vector control

A dengue e demais arboviroses têm impacto econômico considerável no Brasil. Há estratégias para controle vetorial da dengue: controle vetorial tradicional com pesticidas; Técnica do Inseto Incompatível (TII) com "wMel Wolbachia" e Técnica do Inseto Estéril (TIE). Objetivo: Analisar a razão de custo-efetividade da estratégia de TII/TIE, comparada ao controle vetorial tradicional com pesticidas, para prevenção da dengue, na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) como pagador e na perspectiva societal no Estado de Goiás, Brasil. Métodos: As duas estratégias foram comparadas usando um modelo de árvore de decisão desenvolvido no software Amua®. Todos os parâmetros estimados foram derivados de artigos publicados ou dos sistemas de informação do SUS. Limite de disposição para pagar (LDAP), Anos de vida ajustados pela qualidade (QALYs), anos de vida ganho, custos e razões de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) e custo-utilidade incremental (RCUI) foram adotados como desfechos e parâmetros do estudo. Análises de sensibilidade determinísticas e probabilísticas foram conduzidas. Resultados: Na perspectiva do SUS como pagador, a estratégia de TII-TIE é custo-efetiva, com RCUI de R$ 72,2 mil reais por QALY ganho, que é inferior ao LDAP de R$ 122.064,30/QALY ganho. Na perspectiva societal, a estratégia de TII-TIE é dominante (mais barata e mais efetiva que o controle vetorial tradicional). As análises de sensibilidade mostraram que esses resultados são confiáveis. Conclusão: No Estado de Goiás, Brasil, a estratégia de TII/TIE parece ser custo-efetiva na perspectiva do SUS e dominante na perspectiva societal, quando comparada ao controle vetorial tradicional

Cost-effectiveness analysis and budgetary impact of anidulafungin treatment for patients with candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis in Brazil

ABSTRACT Candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis (C/IC) are serious conditions, especially for immunosuppressed individuals with prolonged hospitalization in intensive care units (ICU). This study analyzed the incremental cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact (BI) of treatment for IC with anidulafungin compared to amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) and amphotericin B deoxycholate (ABD) or conventional amphotericin B (CAB), in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). A decision model was conducted with a time horizon of two weeks from the perspective of SUS. The primary effectiveness endpoints were survival and treatment response rate. All patients were followed up until successful therapy or death. BI analysis was performed based on the measured demand method. A five-year time horizon was adopted based on the number of hospitalizations (per 1,000 hospitalizations). For effectiveness measured in the successful response rate (SRR), anidulafungin dominated the ABLC and ABD formulations. In the results of the analysis with the effectiveness measured according to survival, anidulafungin had a better cost-effectiveness ratio (R$988.26/survival) compared to ABD (R$16,359.50/survival). The BI estimate related to the incorporation of anidulafungin suggests savings of approximately 148 million reais in 5 years when comparing it to ABD. The economic evaluation of anidulafungin and its comparators found it to be cost-effective. The consensus of international scientific societies recommends it as a first-line drug for IC, and its incorporation by SUS would be important.

Economic evaluations of colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review and quality assessment

Abstract Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks second in mortality. Screening programs for early detection and treatment have been implemented in several countries. Economic evaluations are an important tool to support decision-making about reimbursement and coverage decisions in health systems and, therefore, to support efficient resource allocation. The article aims to review the up-to-date evidence on economic evaluations of CRC screening strategies. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SciELO, Lilacs, CRD databases, and lists of references were reviewed to identify relevant literature regarding full economic evaluations of CRC screening in asymptomatic average-risk individuals over 40 years old. Searches were conducted with no restriction to language, setting, or date. Qualitative syntheses described CRC screening strategies and comparators (baseline context), study designs, key parameter inputs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Seventy-nine articles were included. Most of the studies were from high-income countries and a third-party payer perspective. Markov models were predominantly used, although microsimulation has been increasingly adopted in the last 15 years. The authors found 88 different screening strategies for CRC, which differed in the type of technique, the interval of screening, and the strategy, i.e., isolated or combined. The annual fecal immunochemical test was the most predominant screening strategy. All studies reported cost-effective results in their scenarios compared to no screening scenarios. One-quarter of the publications reported cost-saving results. It is still necessary to develop future economic evaluations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), which account for the high burden of disease.

Effectiveness of S-curve leakage testing method on flexible endoscope / 中华消化内镜杂志

To investigate the effects of the S-curve leakage testing method on the detection of flexible endoscope and occurrence of medium to high-level faults of flexible endoscope. A convenience sampling method was used to study the information of endoscopic leak detection at the digestive endoscopic centre of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. From July 2016 to December 2017, 58 endoscopes which received conventional leakage testing were set as the control group (29 116 tests). From January 2018 to June 2019, 56 endoscopes which received S-curve leakage testing were set as the observation group (28 112 tests). The results showed that the detection proportion of angular abnormalities in the observation group was higher than that in the control group [65.6% (59/90) VS 40.4% (36/89), χ2=11.330, P<0.001]. However, the detection proportion of medium to high-grade faults such as damaged charge coupled device (CCD) components and broken insertion section in the observation group was lower than that in the control group [0.04% (10/28 112) VS 0.08% (23/29 116), χ2=4.680, P=0.030]. Moreover, the overall maintenance cost was lower in the observation group than that in the control group (313.7 thousand yuan VS 942.6 thousand yuan). It is indicated that the S-curve leakage testing method can detect low-level endoscopic faults early such as angular abnormalities, and reduce the occurrence of medium to high-level endoscopic faults, which contributes to cost reduction and efficiency increase.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different screening modes for thalassemia in Hunan Province / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the costs and effectiveness of five common screening modes and genetic screening for thalassemia in China in order to find the optimal way and provide evidence for the implementation of thalassemia prevention and control projects in Hunan Province.Methods:From June 2020 to April 2021, 12 971 couples from 14 cities and autonomous prefectures in Hunan Province were selected as the study population. The diagnosis of thalassemia was based on the results of genetic testing. Results of routine blood test and hemoglobin electrophoresis were collected and analyzed. The efficacy of five screening modes, at the cut-off value of <80 fl or 82 fl for the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), was analyzed by positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Jorden index and cost-effectiveness ratio. Sensitivity analysis was used to assess the feasibility of genetic screening at different costs after fixing the costs of routine blood and hemoglobin electrophoresis. The five thalassemia screening models are as follows: Mode 1: The woman had a blood routine test first. If the result was positive, the spouse required a blood routine test. If both results were positive, a thalassemia gene test should be offered to the couple. Mode 2: Both husband and wife were screened by blood routine and hemoglobin electrophoresis. If one or both of them were positive, both would be tested for thalassemia gene. Mode 3: The couple received blood routine tests initially. If either was positive, both should receive hemoglobin electrophoresis testing. If either was positive, both parties will conduct thalassemia gene testing. Mode 4: The woman was screened by blood routine and hemoglobin electrophoresis. If any one of them was positive, the woman would be tested for thalassemia gene. If the gene test result was positive, the spouse should receive thalassemia gene. Mode 5: Both spouses conducted a blood routine test. If either was positive, both would conduct hemoglobin electrophoresis test. If both were positive, both spouses should receive thalassemia gene testing. Gene testing mode: The woman would be tested for thalassemia, and her spouse would have thalassemia test too if her result was positive.Results:When using MCV<80 fl as the cut-off for diagnosing thalassemia, the Youden indices of the five prenatal screening modes in Hunan Province were 0.551, 0.639, 0.898, 0.555 and 0.356, while when using MCV<82 fl as the cut-off, the Youden indices were 0.549, 0.629, 0.851, 0.548 and 0.356. When the MCV cut-off value was <80 fl, the missed diagnosis rates of the five screening modes were 44.44%, 0.00, 0.00, 18.52% and 62.96%, and the cost-effectiveness ratios were 21 709, 250 939, 76 870, 138 463 and 92 860 yuan (RMB)/couple, respectively. When the price of genetic testing was lower than 55 yuan (RMB), the cost-effectiveness ratio of genetic screening was lower than that of Mode 3.Conclusions:MCV<80 fl can be considered as the positive criteria in blood routine screening for thalassemia in Hunan Province, and the cost-effectiveness ratio of Mode 3 (the couple received blood routine tests initially. If either was positive, both should receive hemoglobin electrophoresis testing. If either was positive, both parties will conduct thalassemia gene testing) is the best. Genetic screening has certain advantages with the decreasing price.

Analysis of willingness-to-pay for the treatment of acute facial inflammatory dermatoses with red and yellow light from light-emitting diodes / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To analyze the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for the treatment of acute facial inflammatory dermatoses with red and yellow light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and to evaluate their cost-effectiveness.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted on outpatients with or without acute facial inflammatory dermatoses, which mainly manifested as erythema and swelling, in Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital from August 2019 to June 2020. The WTP for the treatment of acute facial inflammatory dermatoses of varying severity with red and yellow light from LEDs were investigated, clinical data on the prevalence of facial skin diseases, previous medical visits and quality of life were collected, and a benefit-cost analysis was conducted. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors influencing the patients′ WTP for the LED treatment.Results:The median WTP of the subjects was 200, 300 and 300 RMB yuan for 1-session treatment of three cases of acute facial inflammatory dermatoses of increasing severity assumed to require 1-, 3-, and 5-session LED treatments respectively, and the WTP for 1-session treatment of case 2 and case 3 was higher than the cost of 1-session LED treatment (217 RMB yuan). The subjects with high family incomes (≥ 100 000 RMB yuan/year) were significantly more willing to pay for the treatment than those with low family incomes (< 100 000 RMB yuan/year) (case 1: 40.46% vs. 27.50%, χ2 = 7.00, P = 0.008; case 2: 60.69% vs. 44.5%, χ2 = 9.75, P = 0.002; case 3: 51.20% vs. 48.8%, χ2 = 6.54, P = 0.011), and the subjects who never suffered from facial inflammatory dermatoses were significantly more willing to pay for the treatment than those who ever suffered (case 1: 35.49% vs. 28.82%, χ2 = 1.56, P = 0.212; case 2: 56.10% vs. 42.34%, χ2 = 5.92, P = 0.015; case 3: 68.32% vs. 56.75%, χ2 = 4.58, P = 0.032). No significant difference in the WTP was observed among patients with different facial dermatoses, different degrees of impairment on quality of life, or different treatment experience (all P>0.05) . Conclusion:The cost of red and yellow light from LEDs for the treatment of acute facial inflammatory dermatoses manifesting as erythema and swelling was highly acceptable in this population, and it was worthy of clinical promotion.

Costo-efectividad de la oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda en Colombia / Cost-effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in Colombia

Introducción. La terapia con oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea es costosa y, aunque existe existen indicios en la literatura de que puede ser una intervención costo-efectiva en los países desarrollados, hay dudas sobre su costo-efectividad en un país con un producto interno bruto per cápita bajo, como Colombia. Objetivo. Determinar el incremento de la relación costo-efectividad de la terapia con oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se eligieron pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda para el análisis de costo-efectividad desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud. Se compararon aquellos pacientes con asistencia respiratoria mecánica con volúmenes bajos con aquellos tratados con oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea. Se determinaron los costos médicos directos de la atención y el incremento de la relación costo-efectividad a los 6 meses. Resultados. El costo esperado por paciente en asistencia respiratoria mecánica protectora fue de COP$ 17'609.909. El costo del soporte mediante terapia de oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea fue de COP$ 98'784.116. La relación de costo-efectividad promedio fue de COP$ 141'662.435 por cada vida salvada (USD$ 41.276). Conclusiones. El soporte con terapia de oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea tuvo un costo promedio de COP$ 141'662.435 por cada vida salvada, equivalente a USD$ 41.276 dólares y el incremento de la relación costo-efectividad fue de COP$ 608'783.750 (USD$ 177.384), casi diez veces superior a la regla de decisión de 3 PBI per cápita (COP$ 59'710.479).

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy is expensive. There is evidence in the literature that it can be a cost-effective intervention in developed countries; however, in countries with low gross domestic product per capita, such as Colombia, there are still some doubts. Objective: To determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in Colombia. Materials and methods: Cost-effectiveness analysis in healthcare in relation to adult patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome with mechanical ventilation with low volumes compared to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The direct medical costs and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were determined at 6 months. Results: The expected cost per patient on protective mechanical ventilation was COP$ 17,609,909. The cost of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy support in surviving patients was COP$ 98,784,116. The average cost-effectiveness ratio of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was COP$ 141,662,435 for each life saved (USD$ 41,276). Conclusions: Support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy had an average cost of COP$ 141,662,435 for each life saved equivalent to USD$ 41,276. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio COP$ was 608,783,750 (USD$ 177,384); almost ten times higher than the decision rule of three gross domestic product per capita (COP$ 59,710,479).

O uso da cirurgia robótica em artroplastias totais de joelho ­ Uma nova tecnologia chega ao Brasil / The use of robotic surgery in total knee arthroplasties ­ A new technology arrives in Brazil

Com a chegada da cirurgia robótica na cirurgia do joelho no Brasil em 2021, novos questionamentos são feitos para que possamos compreender como essa nova tecnologia pode ser assimilada no contexto da saúde e da realidade do país. As novas tendências no financiamento da saúde relacionadas ao setor privado fazem questionar de que maneira novos procedimentos podem ser incorporados, buscando o equilíbrio entre o avanço tecnológico e a acessibilidade baseada em custos e desfechos relacionados à qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

With the arrival of robotic surgery in knee surgery in Brazil in 2021, new questions are asked so that we can understand how this new technology can be assimilated in the context of health and the reality of the country. The new trends in health financing related to the private sector raises the question of how new procedures can be incorporated seeking a balance between technological advancement and accessibility based on costs and outcomes related to the quality of life of patients.

Contribución del uso de XPERT MTB/RIF y su costo-efectividad en el diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar y la resistencia a rifampicina: una comparación con métodos diagnósticos no moleculares / Contribution of the use of xpert MTB/RIF and its cost-effectiveness in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and resistance to rifampicin: a comparison with non molecular diagnostic methods

Resumen Introducción: La tuberculosis es un problema de salud pública; su control requiere diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno. Xpert MTB/RIF® es una tecno logía diagnóstica basada en PCR en tiempo real, detecta el Complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis y la susceptibilidad a rifampicina. Objetivo: Determinar la contribución del Xpert MTB/RIF y su costo-efectividad en la detección de tuberculosis y la resistencia a rifampicina en muestras respirato rias al compararlo con métodos de diagnóstico no moleculares Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron 1.574 muestras de pacientes con sospecha de tuberculosis pulmonar que fueron procesadas para microscopía con coloración fluorescente de auramina-rodamina, Xpert MTB/RIF y cultivo en BACTEC MGIT 960. Los resultados obtenidos se compararon entre los métodos no moleculares y los moleculares para la detección de M. tuberculosis y susceptibilidad a rifampicina y se realizó un análisis comparativo de costos y costo efectividad. Resultados: 19,2% de las muestras fueron positivas por alguna de las técnicas usadas. Xpert MTB/RIF detectó M. tuberculosis en 90,4% del total de muestras positivas con un índice Kappa de 0,77 (IC95%: 0,74-0,82) comparado con el cultivo. La resistencia a rifampicina por Xpert fue 8,1%, sensibilidad 94,1% (IC95%: 73,0-99,0%), especificidad 98,4% (IC95%: 95,5-99,5%) y Kappa de 0,88 (IC95%: 0,76-1,00). La razón incremental de costo efectividad (RICE) fue menor en Xpert MTB/RIF comparada con el cultivo. Conclusión: Xpert MTB/RIF es una prueba eficiente y costo efectiva en la detección de casos de M. tuberculosis en muestras pulmonares comparado con los mé todos de diagnóstico basados en cultivo, sin embargo y a diferencia del Xpert MTB/RIF, estos pueden aportar en el diagnóstico con el aislamiento de especies de micobacterias no tuberculosas y la susceptibilidad a isoniazida y otros medicamentos.

Abstract Introduction: Tuberculosis is a public health problem its control requires early diagnosis and timely treatment. Xpert MTB/RIF is a real-time PCR based diagnostic technology, detects the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and rifampicin resistance. Objective: To determine the contribution of Xpert MTB/RIF and its cost-effectiveness in the detection of potential positive cases for tuberculosis and resistance to rifampicin in respiratory samples comparatively with diagnostic non molecular methods Materials and Methods: From 2013 to 2015, 1.574 clinical samples of patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated by smear microscopy using auramina-rodamina stain, Xpert and culture in liquid medium BACTEC MGIT 960®. Results: 19,2% of the samples were positive for any of the methods used, Xpert detected M. tuberculosis in 90,4% of the positive samples and the concordance between Xpert and cultures had a Kappa index of 0,71 (IC95%: 0,62-0,72). Xpert identified resistance to rifampicin in 8,1% of the clinical samples studied with a sensitivity 94.1% (IC95%: 73,0-99,0%), specificity 98,4% (IC95%: 95,5-99,5%) and Kappa index 0,88 (IC95%: 0,76-1,00). Xpert had an incremental cost effectiveness ratio lower than culture (RICE). Conclusion: Xpert MTB/Rif is efficient diagnostic technique and comparable with culture in cost effectiveness for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. However, culture based methods, in contrast to Xpert, may allow the isolation and identification of non tuberculosis mycobacterial species and the possibility to perform susceptibility for other antituberculous drugs.

Tamización primaria con prueba ADN-VPH en mujeres menores de 30 años: evaluación de tecnología sanitaria / Primary HPV-DNA screening in women under 30 years of age: health technology assessment

Antecedentes A partir del 2014 en Colombia se incorporó la Tamización primaria con prueba de Virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH) desde los 30 hasta los 65 años, cuando la prueba es positiva se hace triage con citología para remisión a colposcopia. Actualmente se discute la conveniencia de iniciar la tamización con prueba de ADN de VPH a partir de los 25 años. De esta manera, el objetivo de esta evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias es analizar la evidencia disponible en torno a la seguridad, efectividad, costoefectividad, valores y preferencias, dilemas éticos y aspectos relacionados con la implementación para el contexto colombiano de la prueba ADN-VPH como estrategia de tamización cervical en mujeres menores de 30 años. Dominios a evaluar Eficacia clínica y seguridad 1. Tasa acumulada de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) grado 2 o más avanzado luego de 2 rondas de tamización. 2. Tasas acumuladas de cáncer invasor de cérvix luego de 2 rondas de tamización. 3. Seguridad: remisión a colposcopia. Costo-efectividad Costo efectividad para Colombia. Otros dominios considerados Aspectos éticos asociados a la tamización cervical en mujeres menores de 30 años. Aspectos organizacionales y del individuo. Barreras y facilitadores relacionados con la implementación en el contexto colombiano de la tamización cervical en mujeres menores de 30 años. Métodos Evaluación de efectividad y seguridad clínicas Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en MEDLINE, Embase y CENTRAL de revisiones sistemáticas y ensayos clínicos. Se calificó el cuerpo de la evidencia con la aproximación GRADE. Posteriormente, se convocó a un grupo interdisciplinario a una mesa de trabajo en donde se presentó la evidencia recuperada, dando paso a la discusión y a la construcción de las conclusiones, siguiendo los lineamientos de un consenso formal acorde a la metodología RAND/UCLA. Estudio económico Se hizo una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura de estudios que hubieran evaluado el costo-efectividad para Colombia. Resultados De 7.659 referencias recuperadas se incluyeron 8 estudios. Resultados clínicos Se realizó un análisis integrativo de 5 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que cumplieron con los citerios de inclusión. Cuando se compara frente a la citología, la tamización primaria con ADN-VPH en mujeres menores de 30 años, podría asociarse con una mayor frecuencia de detección de lesiones NIC2+ durante la primera ronda de cribado (RR: 1.57; IC: 1,20 a 2,04; certeza en la evidencia baja), con una menor incidencia de NIC2+ (RR:0,67; IC: 0,48 a 0,92; certeza en la evidencia baja) y se asocia con una menor frecuencia de carcinoma invasor al término del seguimiento (RR: 0,19; IC: 0,07 a 0,53; certeza en la evidencia alta). Resultados económicos Desde el punto de vista económico, la alternativa de ADN-VPH y triage con citología desde los 25 años quizás representa la alternativa más costo-efectiva para Colombia (razón costo-efectividad incremental $8.820.980 COP año 2013). Otras implicaciones Dos estudios sugieren que las barreras de implementación, atribuibles a circunstancias de intermediación, de orden público y de carácter geográfico, podrían ser solventadas por nuevas tecnologías o estrategias de cribado. Es importante considerar alternativas de forma de administración y de prestación de servicios para solventar algunas barreras de aceptabilidad y acceso. Todo programa de tamización cervical debe contemplar los principios éticos de no maleficencia, beneficencia, autonomía y equidad. Futuros estudios deben enfocarse en analizar nuevas tecnologías de cribado con énfasis en población menor de 30 años. Conclusiones El uso de la prueba ADN-VPH como estrategia de tamización en mujeres menores de 30 años es una intervención probablemente efectiva y costoefectiva para Colombia. Futuros estudios deben enfocarse en analizar nuevas tecnologías de cribado con énfasis en población menor de 30 años.

Background Primary screening with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing was introduced in Colombia in 2014 for individuals between 30 and 65 years of age. When the result is positive, cytology triage is performed for colposcopy referral. The convenience of initiating HPV-DNA testing for screening at 25 years of age is currently a subject of discussion. Therefore, the objective of this health technology assessment (HTA) is to analyze the available evidence regarding safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, values and preferences, ethical dilemmas and considerations pertaining to the implementation of the HPV-DNA test as a cervical screening strategy in women under 30 years of age in the Colombian context. Domains to be assessed Clinical efficacy and safety 1. Cumulative rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or high-er after 2 screening rounds. 2. Cumulative rates of invasive cancer of the uterine cervix after 2 screening rounds. 3. Safety: referral to colposcopy Cost-effectiveness Cost-effectiveness for Colombia. Other domains considered Ethical considerations associated with cervical screening in women under 30 years of age. Organizational and individual considerations. Barriers and facilitators pertaining to the implementation of cervical screening in women under 30 years of age in the Colombian context. Methods Clinical efficacy and safety assessment A systematic literature search of systematic reviews and clinical trials was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL. The body of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. An interdisciplinary team was then convened to create a working group to review the retrieved evidence. This led to the discussion and construction of the conclusions following the guidelines of a formal consensus in accordance with the RAND/UCLA methodology. Economic study Systematic literature research of studies that had assessed cost-effectiveness for Colombia. Results Out of the 7,659 references retrieved, 8 studies were included. Clinical outcomes An integrative analysis of 5 randomized clinical trials that met the inclusion critera was performed. Compared with cytology, primary HPV-DNA testing in women under 30 years of age could be associated with a lower frequency of CIN+2 lesions during the first screening round (RR: 1.57; CI: 1.20 to 2.04; low evidence certainty), and a lower incidence of CIN+2 (RR: 0.67; CI: 0.48 to 0.92; low evidence certainty). Moreover, it is associated with a lower frequency of invasive carcinoma at the end of follow-up (RR: 0.19; CI: 0.07 to 0.53; high evidence certainty). Economic results From the financial point of view, the use of HPVDNA testing plus cytology-based triage starting at 25 years of age is perhaps the most cost-effective option for Colombia (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, COP 8,820,980 in 2013). Other implications Two studies suggest that barriers to implementation attributable to intermediation, public unrest and geographic considerations could be overcome with the use of new screening technologies or strategies. It is important to consider administration and service provision alternatives in order to overcome some acceptability and access barriers. Any cervical screening program must take into consideration ethical principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy and equity. Future studies should focus on analyzing new screening techniques with emphasis on the population under 30 years of age. Conclusions The use of HPV-DNA testing as a screening strategy in women under 30 years of age is a potentially efficacious and cost-effective intervention for Colombia. Future studies should focus on analyzing new screening technologies, with emphasis on the population under 30 years of age.

Custo-Efetividade do Emprego do Escore de Cálcio Coronariano na Orientação para a Decisão Terapêutica na Prevenção Primária, na População Brasileira / Cost-Effectiveness of Using the Coronary Artery Calcium Score in Guiding Therapeutic Decisions in Primary Prevention in the Brazilian Population

Resumo Fundamento: O emprego do escore de cálcio no auxílio da estratificação de risco cardiovascular pode ser ferramenta com melhor custo-efetividade em comparação à estratégia convencional. Objetivos: Avaliação da custo-efetividade do emprego do escore de cálcio na orientação terapêutica para a prevenção primária cardiovascular. Métodos: Modelo de microssimulação para avaliar as consequências clínicas e econômicas da doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica, comparando-se a estratégia de prevenção pelo uso do escore de cálcio e a estratégia convencional. Resultados: Resultados obtidos demonstram melhor custo-efetividade da estratégia terapêutica guiada pelo escore de cálcio, por meio da redução do custo incremental, e aumento nos anos de vida ajustados por qualidade (QALY), que corresponde, em número, ao benefício incorporado à qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Conclusões: O emprego do escore de cálcio mostrou-se mais custo-efetivo que a estratégia convencional tanto em custo como em QALY, na maioria dos cenários estudados.

Abstract Background: The use of the coronary artery calcium score to aid cardiovascular risk stratification may be a more cost-effective tool than the conventional strategy. Objectives: Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the use of the calcium score in therapeutic guidance for primary cardiovascular prevention. Methods: A microsimulation model to assess the clinical and economic consequences of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, comparing the prevention strategy using the calcium score and the conventional strategy. Results: The results obtained demonstrated a better cost-effectiveness of the therapeutic strategy guided by the calcium score, by reducing incremental costs and increasing quality-adjusted life years (QALY), which corresponds, in number, to improving the quality of life of the individual. Conclusions: The use of the coronary artery calcium score proved to be more cost-effective than the conventional strategy, both in terms of cost and QALY, in most of the scenarios studied.

It is time anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies be considered first-line prophylaxis for migraine / Já é tempo de os anticorpos monoclonais anti-CGRP serem reconhecidos como profilaxia de primeira linha para a migrânea

ABSTRACT The result of more than thirty years of research, anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies are currently the state of the art for migraine preventive therapy. Their efficacy and safety, supported by an already large and growing body of evidence, are added by many other advantages: an early onset of action, favorable posology, negligible pharmacological interaction, and a broad-reaching efficacy in many challenging clinical contexts. When compared to standard prophylactics, these novel medications seem at least as efficacious, clearly more tolerable and, consequently, with a superior adherence profile. Furthermore, recently published analyses indicate that they are cost-effective, especially among those with chronic migraine. Yet, current guidelines endorse their use only after multiple other preventives have failed or have been deemed not tolerable. Although this recommendation may have been sensible at first, the now available data strongly point that time has come for anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies to be acknowledged as first-line treatments for migraine patients with severe disability. For these individuals, delaying treatment until several other alternatives have failed incurs in significant losses, both economically and to many relevant aspects of their lives.

RESUMO Frutos de mais de 30 anos de pesquisa, os anticorpos monoclonais anti-CGRP são atualmente o que há de mais moderno no tratamento preventivo da migrânea. À sua eficácia e segurança, já bem estabelecidos por um grande corpo de evidências, acrescentam-se outras vantagens: um início precoce de ação, posologia favorável, mínima interação farmacológica, e eficácia comprovada em uma variedade de contextos clínicos frequentemente desafiadores. Quando comparados a outros profiláticos, estas medicações aparentam ser ao menos tão eficazes, evidentemente mais toleráveis e, portanto, com melhor perfil de adesão. Ademais, estudos recentemente publicados indicam que elas são custo-efetivas, especialmente entre pacientes com migrânea crônica. Ainda assim, as diretrizes atuais orientam o seu uso apenas caso haja refratariedade ou intolerância a múltiplos outros preventivos. Apesar de esta recomendação poder ter sido sensata a priori, os dados disponíveis atualmente corroboram que já é tempo de estes anticorpos monoclonais serem reconhecidos como tratamentos de primeira linha para a migrânea associada à incapacidade grave. Para estes pacientes, demorar a oferecer este tratamento até que outras múltiplas alternativas tenham falhado, leva a perdas significativas, tanto economicamente quanto em múltiplos outros aspectos relevantes das suas vidas.

Análise do Impacto Orçamentário da Prevenção de Lesão por Pressão em Idosos Acamados / Analysis of the Budgetary Impact of Pressure Injury Prevention in Bedridden Elderly / Análisis del Impacto Presupuestario de la Prevención de Lesiones por Presión em Ancianos Encamados

Objetivo: Analisar o impacto orçamentário e o incremento de custos da incorporação de superfícies especiais para o manejo da pressão para prevenção de lesão por pressão em pacientes idosos acamados. Método: Análise de impacto orçamentário, seguindo as recomendações da diretriz metodológica análise de impacto orçamentário. Delinearam-se dois possíveis cenários (referência e alternativo 1, 2 e 3). Resultados: O custo em cinco anos no cenário de referência, adotando apenas a estratégia de mudança de decúbito, foi estimado em R$ 253.86,2542,81. Os custos nos cenários alternativos 1, 2 e 3 foram respectivamente, no mesmo período e com os ajustes econômicos, R$ 250.422.191,73, R$ 249.223.263,19 e R$ 248.029.130,37. Conclusão: A utilização de altas tecnologias nem sempre será o diferencial para o melhor desfecho clínico do paciente e poderá acarretar mais custo ao sistema.

Objective:To analyze the budgetary impact and the increase in costs of the incorporation of special surfaces for pressure management to prevent pressure injuries in bedridden elderly patients. Method: Budget impact analysis, following the recommendations of the budget impact analysis methodological guideline. Two possible scenarios were out lined. In the first (alternative) scenario, the elderly receives a prevention strategy that includes the use of a viscoelastic mattress as a pressure distribution surface and a change in position with a minimum interval of 2 hours. In the second scenario (reference), the elderly receives a prevention strategy that only includes a change in position with a minimum interval of 2 hours. All costs were estimated using the macro costing technique. Results: The results of the analysis of the budget impact speak in disfavor, therefore, contrary to the eventual incorporation of the viscoelastic mattress as a complementary strategy to the systematic change of decubitus, of at least every 2 hours as a measure to prevent pressure injuries. Conclusion: The use of high technologies will not always be the differential for the best clinical outcome of the patient and it can result in more cost to the system.

Objetivo:Analizar el impacto presupuestario y el incremento de costes de la incorporación de superfícies especiales para el manejo de la presión para la prevención de lesiones por presión em pacientes ancianos encamados. Método:Análisis de Impacto Presupuestario (AIO), siguiendo las recomendaciones de la Guía Metodológica de Análisis de Impacto Presupuestario. Se esbozaron dos escenarios posibles. Em el primer escenario (alternativo), las personas mayores recibe ecnologiategia de prevención que incluye el uso de um colchón viscoelástico ecnologiaficie de distribución de presiem y un cambio de poemión con un intervalo mínimo de 2 horas. Enel segundo escenario (referencia), los adultos mayore ecnologiana estrategia de prevención que solo incluye el cambio de posición conun intervalo mínimo de 2 horas. Todos los costos se estimaron utilizando la técnica de macro costos. Resultados: Los resultados del análisis de impacto presupuestario hablan desfavorablemente, por tanto, en contra de la eventual incorporación del colchón viscoe ecnologiamo estrategia complementaria al cambio sistemático de decúbito, de al menos cada 2 horas como medida de prevención de lesiones por presión. Conclusión: Se concluye que el ecnologiass tecnologías no siempre será el diferencial para el mejor desenlace clínico del paciente y que puede resultar em mayor costo para el sistema.

Análise da Custo-Efetividade da Angiotomografia Coronariana no SUS, em Comparação com Outros Métodos Não Invasivos na Suspeita de DAC Estável / Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of CCTA in SUS, as Compared to Other Non-Invasive Imaging Modalities in Suspected Obstructive CAD

Resumo Fundamento Atualmente o sistema de saúde público brasileiro (SUS) não contempla a angiotomografia de coronárias. Objetivos Ranquear sob a perspectiva do SUS, a custo-efetividade de estratégias diagnósticas combinando teste ergométrico, cintilografia miocárdica, ecocardiograma por estresse e angiotomografia de coronárias para o diagnóstico de doença arterial coronariana em uma coorte hipotética de pacientes com probabilidade pré-teste intermediária. Métodos Análise de custo-efetividade por meio de árvore de decisão. Foram analisados a relação de custo-efetividade incremental e o benefício líquido em saúde das estratégias diagnósticas, com a adoção de múltiplos limiares de disposição a pagar entre 0,05 e 1 PIB per capita por diagnóstico correto. Nos casos de testes sequenciais, um segundo teste confirmatório era realizado quando o primeiro fosse positivo. Resultados Após exclusão das estratégias diagnósticas dominadas ou com dominância estendida, a fronteira de eficiência foi composta por três estratégias: teste ergométrico, teste ergométrico seguido de ecocardiograma de estresse, e ecocardiograma de estresse seguido de angiotomografia de coronárias, sendo esta última a estratégia mais custo-efetiva. Pelo critério do benefício líquido, o ranqueamento das estratégias mais custo-efetivas variou conforme a disposição a pagar. Conclusão Utilizando conceitos atuais de avaliação de tecnologias em saúde, este estudo fornece um ranqueamento para a tomada de decisão sobre qual estratégia diagnóstica utilizar, em uma população com risco pré-teste intermediário para DAC. Com estimativa factível de custos para a ATC, o impacto da inclusão desta ao rol do arsenal diagnóstico representaria uma estratégia custo-efetiva na maioria dos cenários avaliados nas variações de disposição a pagar.

Abstract Background The Brazilian public health system does not include computed tomography angiography (CTA). Objective Rank, according to the Brazilian public health system, the cost-effectiveness of different strategies for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), combining exercise tests (ET), myocardial scintigraphy (MS), stress echocardiography (SE), and CTA in a hypothetical intermediate pre-test probability cohort of patients. Methods This study implemented a cost-effectiveness analysis through a decision tree. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net benefit were analyzed by adopting multiple thresholds of willingness to pay, from 0.05 to 1 GDP per capita per correct diagnosis. In sequential tests, a second confirmatory test was performed only when the first was positive. Results After excluding dominated or extended dominance diagnostic strategies, the efficiency frontier consisted of three strategies: ET, ET followed by SE, and SE followed by CTA, the last being the most cost-effective strategy. Through the net benefit, the ranking of the most cost-effective strategies varied according to willingness to pay. Conclusions Using current concepts of health technology assessment, this study provides a ranking for decision-making concerning which diagnostic strategy to use in a population with an intermediate pre-test risk for CAD. With a feasible cost estimate adopted for CTA, the impact of including this to the list of the diagnostic arsenal would represent a cost-effective strategy in most of the evaluated scenarios with broad variations in the willingness to pay.

Cost utility of penicillin use in primary care for the prevention of complications associated with syphilis / Custo-utilidade do uso da penicilina na atenção primária para a prevenção de complicações associadas à sífilis congênita

Introduction: Despite penicillin being the drug of choice for the treatment of syphilis, many pregnant women who test positive for syphilis do not receive the drug as recommended by the Ministry of Health, contributing to the increase in costs associated with congenital syphilis. Objective: This study aims to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of administering at least one dose of 2.4 million IU of benzathine penicillin in the first trimester of pregnancy as soon as the result of a positive rapid treponemal test performed during antenatal care in primary care units of the Brazilian National Health System. Methods: An analytical model was proposed based on a decision tree. The perspective of the analysis was the one used in The Brazilian National Health System. The clinical outcomes were abortion, prematurity, neonatal death, stillbirth, and congenital syphilis, estimated in terms of disability-adjusted life-years. Only direct costs were considered. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: The model predicted that the most efficient strategy is the one that includes the administration of penicillin in primary care for cases of gestational syphilis. This strategy is more effective, although more costly. The cost per disability-adjusted life-years averted with the use of this strategy was estimated at R$49.79 (US$ 10.67). Conclusion: The prenatal strategy in primary care units that includes the administration of penicillin to pregnant women with syphilis during the first trimester of pregnancy has the greatest potential to be cost-effective.

Introdução: A despeito de a penicilina ser o medicamento de escolha para o tratamento da sífilis, muitas gestantes com teste positivo para sífilis não recebem o medicamento como recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde, concorrendo para o aumento dos custos associados à sífilis congênita. Objetivo: Estimar a razão de custo-efetividade incremental da administração de pelo menos uma dose de 2,4 milhões de Unidades Internacionais de penicilina benzatina no primeiro trimestre de gravidez, tão logo se tenha o resultado de um teste rápido treponêmico positivo realizado na consulta pré-natal em unidades de atenção primária do Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos: Um modelo analítico foi proposto a partir de uma árvore de decisão. A perspectiva da análise foi a do Sistema Único de Saúde. Os desfechos em saúde foram aborto, prematuridade, morte neonatal, natimorto e sífilis congênita, estimados em termos de anos de vida ajustados a incapacidades (disability-adjusted life-years). Apenas os custos diretos foram considerados. Análises de sensibilidade determinística e probabilística foram realizadas. Resultados: O modelo previu que a estratégia mais eficiente é aquela que inclui a administração da penicilina na atenção primária aos casos de sífilis gestacional. Embora essa estratégia possa representar maior custo, apresenta maior efetividade. O custo por disability-adjusted life-years evitado com o uso dessa estratégia foi estimado em R$49,79. Conclusão: A estratégia de pré-natal nas unidades de atenção primária que inclui a administração da penicilina em gestantes com sífilis ainda no primeiro trimestre de gestação é a que apresenta o maior potencial para ser custo-efetiva.