Health economic evaluation of Human Papillomavirus vaccines in women from Venezuela by a lifetime Markov cohort model.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) and genital warts (GW) are a significant public health issue in Venezuela. Our objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of the two available vaccines, bivalent and quadrivalent, against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Venezuelan girls in order to inform decision-makers. METHODS: A previously published Markov cohort model, informed by the best available evidence, was adapted to the Venezuelan context to evaluate the effects of vaccination on health and healthcare costs from the perspective of the healthcare payer in an 11-year-old girls cohort of 264,489. Costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were discounted at 5%. Eight scenarios were analyzed to depict the cost-effectiveness under alternative vaccine prices, exchange rates and dosing schemes. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Compared to screening only, the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines were cost-saving in all scenarios, avoiding 2,310 and 2,143 deaths, 4,781 and 4,431 CCs up to 18,459 GW for the quadrivalent vaccine and gaining 4,486 and 4,395 discounted QALYs respectively. For both vaccines, the main determinants of variations in the incremental costs-effectiveness ratio after running deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were transition probabilities, vaccine and cancer-treatment costs and HPV 16 and 18 distribution in CC cases. When comparing vaccines, none of them was consistently more cost-effective than the other. In sensitivity analyses, for these comparisons, the main determinants were GW incidence, the level of cross-protection and, for some scenarios, vaccines costs. CONCLUSIONS: Immunization with the bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccines showed to be cost-saving or cost-effective in Venezuela, falling below the threshold of one Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (104,404 VEF) per QALY gained. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results.

Health economic assessment of universal immunization of toddlers against Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) in Mexico.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has shifted from high to intermediate endemicity in Mexico, which may increase the risk of clinically significant HAV infections in older children, adolescents and adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-utility of single-dose or 2-dose universal infant HAV vaccination strategy in Mexico, compared with no vaccination. A previously published dynamic model estimated the expected number of HAV cases with each strategy, and a decision model was used to estimate the costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) expected with each strategy. The time horizon was 25 years (2012-2036) and the base case analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Mexican public health system. Costs and QALYs after the first year were discounted at 5% annually. Input data were taken from national databases and published sources where available. The single-dose HAV vaccination strategy had an incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of Mexican peso (MXN) 2,270 per QALY gained, compared with no vaccination. The two-dose strategy had an ICUR of MXN 14,961/QALY compared with no vaccination, and an ICUR of MXN 78,280/QALY compared with the single-dose strategy. The estimated ICURs were below the threshold of 1 x Mexican gross domestic product per capita. When indirect costs were included (societal perspective), the single-dose HAV vaccination strategy would be expected to improve health outcomes and to be cost-saving. This analysis indicates that routine vaccination of toddlers against HAV would be cost-effective in Mexico using either a single-dose or a 2-dose vaccination strategy. GSK study identifier: HO-12-12877.

Health economic analysis of human papillomavirus vaccines in women of Chile: perspective of the health care payer using a Markov model.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, significant reductions in cervical cancer incidence and mortality have been observed due to implementation of a well-organized screening program. However, it has been suggested that the inclusion of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for young adolescent women may be the best prospect to further reduce the burden of cervical cancer. This cost-effectiveness study comparing two available HPV vaccines in Chile was performed to support decision making on the implementation of universal HPV vaccination. METHODS: The present analysis used an existing static Markov model to assess the effect of screening and vaccination. This analysis includes the epidemiology of low-risk HPV types allowing for the comparison between the two vaccines (HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine and the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine), latest cross-protection data on HPV vaccines, treatment costs for cervical cancer, vaccine costs and 6% discounting per the health economic guideline for Chile. RESULTS: Projected incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICERs) for the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine was 116 United States (US) dollars per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained or 147 US dollars per life-years (LY) saved, while the projected ICUR/ICER for the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine was 541 US dollars per QALY gained or 726 US dollars per LY saved. Introduction of any HPV vaccine to the present cervical cancer prevention program of Chile is estimated to be highly cost-effective (below 1X gross domestic product [GDP] per capita, 14278 US dollars). In Chile, the addition of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine to the existing screening program dominated the addition of HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis results show that the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine is expected to be dominant and cost-saving in 69.3% and 77.6% of the replicates respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that the addition of any HPV vaccine to the current cervical screening program of Chile will be advantageous. However, this cost-effectiveness model shows that the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine dominated the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine. Beyond the context of Chile, the data from this modelling exercise may support healthcare policy and decision-making pertaining to introduction of HPV vaccination in similar resource settings in the region.

Cost-effectiveness and cost utility analysis of three pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in children of Peru.

BACKGROUND: The clinical and economic burden associated with invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) diseases is substantial in the Latin America and Caribbean region, where pneumococcal vaccines have only been introduced to a few countries. This study analyzed the cost-effectiveness and cost utility of three different pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) for Peru. METHODS: A Markov model that simulated the disease processes in a birth cohort over a lifetime, within 1,128 month cycles was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 10-valent pneumococcal NTHi protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) and 7- and 13-valent PCVs (PCV-7 and PCV-13). Expected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), cost-savings and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. RESULTS: Without vaccination, pneumonia was associated with the greatest health economic burden (90% of QALYs lost and 63% of lifetime direct medical costs); while acute otitis media (AOM) was responsible for 1% of QALYs lost and 25% of direct medical costs. All vaccines were predicted to be cost-effective for Peru, with PHiD-CV being most cost-effective. PHiD-CV was predicted to generate 50 more QALYs gained and required a reduced investment (-US$ 3.4 million) versus PCV-13 (discounted data), and was therefore dominant and cost saving. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that PHiD-CV generated more QALYs gained at a reduced cost than PCV-13 in 84% of the simulations and less QALYs gains at a reduced cost in 16%. Additional scenarios using different assumptions on vaccine efficacies based on previous evidence were explored, but no significant change in the overall cost-effective results were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this modeling study predict that PCVs are likely to be a cost-effective strategy to help relieve the epidemiological and economic burden associated with pediatric pneumococcal and NTHi diseases for Peru. PHiD-CV is likely to be a dominant (better health gains at a reduced net cost) intervention compared to PCV-13 or PCV-7. The most significant drivers for these results are the better health and economic profile of PHiD-CV against AOM and its reduced cost per dose available through the PAHO Revolving Fund in the LAC region.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of a 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children in six Latin American countries.

BACKGROUND: A recently developed 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable H influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) is expected to afford protection against more than two thirds of isolates causing IPD in children in Latin America, and also against acute otitis media caused by both Spn and NTHi. The objective of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of PHiD-CV in comparison to non-vaccination in children under 10 years of age in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. METHODS: We used a static, deterministic, compartmental simulation model. The dosing regimen considered included three vaccine doses (at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months) and a booster dose (at 13 months) (3 + 1 schedule). Model outcomes included number of cases prevented, deaths averted, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and costs. Discount for costs and benefits of long term sequelae was done at 3.5%, and currency reported in 2008-2009 U$S varying between countries. RESULTS: The largest effect in case prevention was observed in pneumococcal meningitis (from 27% in Peru to 47% in Colombia), neurologic sequelae after meningitis (from 38% in Peru to 65% in Brazil) and bacteremia (from 42% in Argentina to 49% in Colombia). The proportion of predicted deaths averted annually ranged from 18% in Peru to 33% in Brazil. Overall, the health benefits achieved with PHiD-CV vaccination resulted in a lower QALY loss (from 15% lower in Peru to 26% in Brazil). At a cost of USD 20 per vaccine dose, vaccination was cost-effective in all countries, from being cost saving in Chile to a maximum Incremental Cost-effectiveness Ratio of 7,088 US$ Dollars per QALY gained. Results were robust in the sensitivity analysis, and scenarios with indirect costs affected results more than those with herd immunity. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into routine infant immunization programs in Latin American countries could be a cost-effective strategy to improve infant population health in the region.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of a 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children in six Latin American countries

BACKGROUND: A recently developed 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable H influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) is expected to afford protection against more than two thirds of isolates causing IPD in children in Latin America, and also against acute otitis media caused by both Spn and NTHi. The objective of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of PHiD-CV in comparison to non-vaccination in children under 10 years of age in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. METHODS: We used a static, deterministic, compartmental simulation model. The dosing regimen considered included three vaccine doses (at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months) and a booster dose (at 13 months) (3 + 1 schedule). Model outcomes included number of cases prevented, deaths averted, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and costs. Discount for costs and benefits of long term sequelae was done at 3.5%, and currency reported in 2008-2009 U$S varying between countries. RESULTS: The largest effect in case prevention was observed in pneumococcal meningitis (from 27% in Peru to 47% in Colombia), neurologic sequelae after meningitis (from 38% in Peru to 65% in Brazil) and bacteremia (from 42% in Argentina to 49% in Colombia). The proportion of predicted deaths averted annually ranged from 18% in Peru to 33% in Brazil. Overall, the health benefits achieved with PHiD-CV vaccination resulted in a lower QALY loss (from 15% lower in Peru to 26% in Brazil). At a cost of USD 20 per vaccine dose, vaccination was cost-effective in all countries, from being cost saving in Chile to a maximum Incremental Cost-effectiveness Ratio of 7,088 US$ Dollars per QALY gained. Results were robust in the sensitivity analysis, and scenarios with indirect costs affected results more than those with herd immunity. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into routine infant immunization programs in Latin American countries could be a cost-effective strategy to improve infant population health in the region.(AU)

Rotavirus en los meses cálidos del año en el Hospital del Niño de la Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires / Rotaviruses in 2 warm months of the year in the Hospital del Niño de la Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires

Entre agosto de 1983 y abril de 1984 se estudiaron 120 niños con menos de 5 años de edad admitidos con diagnóstico de gastroenteritis aguda en el Hospital del Niño de La Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires. Se investigó la presencia de Rotavirus en la materia fecal de estos pacientes por enzimoinmunoensayo encontrándose en 28 de los casos. La distribución mensual de gastroenteritis con infección por Rotavirus fue similar a la observada en el mismo período de 1978/1979. Se encontró una clara relación entre frecuencia de infección por Rotavirus y variación de temperatura. No se observó relación alguna entre infección por el virus y humedad. El estudio del genoma viral la presencia de dos patrones distintos de migración electroforética en geles de poliacrilamida con diferencias en los 11 segmentos de ARN. Un patrón mostró un electroferotipo corto (42% de los Rotavirus hallados) y otro uno largo (58% de los Rotavirus hallados)

Rotavirus en los meses cálidos del año en el Hospital del Niño de la Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires / Rotaviruses in 2 warm months of the year in the Hospital del Niño de la Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires

Entre agosto de 1983 y abril de 1984 se estudiaron 120 niños con menos de 5 años de edad admitidos con diagnóstico de gastroenteritis aguda en el Hospital del Niño de La Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires. Se investigó la presencia de Rotavirus en la materia fecal de estos pacientes por enzimoinmunoensayo encontrándose en 28 de los casos. La distribución mensual de gastroenteritis con infección por Rotavirus fue similar a la observada en el mismo período de 1978/1979. Se encontró una clara relación entre frecuencia de infección por Rotavirus y variación de temperatura. No se observó relación alguna entre infección por el virus y humedad. El estudio del genoma viral la presencia de dos patrones distintos de migración electroforética en geles de poliacrilamida con diferencias en los 11 segmentos de ARN. Un patrón mostró un electroferotipo corto (42% de los Rotavirus hallados) y otro uno largo (58% de los Rotavirus hallados) (AU)

Comparación de enzimoinmunoensayo, la contrainmunoforesis y la electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida para el diagnóstico de rotavirus / Comparison of enzimoimmunoassay, contraimmunophoresis and gel polyacrylamide electrophoresis for the diagnosis of rotavirus

Se comparó la sensibilidad de detección del enzimo-inmunoensayo (ELISA), la contrainmunoelectroforesis (CIED) y la electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida (EGPA) para el diagnóstico de rotavirus humanos en materia fecal. El ELISA fue el método más sensible. La CIED presentó un índice de sensibilidad del 63% y ningún falso positivo, lo que la convierte en un método útil solo para laboratorios de analisis clínicos donde no pueda ser utilizado otro procedimiento. Por último, con la EGPA se obtuvo un índice de sensibilidad del 92%, lo que sumado a la importancia de la infromación adicional que suministra, la hace un método imprescindible en todo laboratorio donde se desarrollan estudio epidemiológicos sobre rotavirus

Comparación de enzimoinmunoensayo, la contrainmunoforesis y la electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida para el diagnóstico de rotavirus / Comparison of enzimoimmunoassay, contraimmunophoresis and gel polyacrylamide electrophoresis for the diagnosis of rotavirus

Se comparó la sensibilidad de detección del enzimo-inmunoensayo (ELISA), la contrainmunoelectroforesis (CIED) y la electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida (EGPA) para el diagnóstico de rotavirus humanos en materia fecal. El ELISA fue el método más sensible. La CIED presentó un índice de sensibilidad del 63% y ningún falso positivo, lo que la convierte en un método útil solo para laboratorios de analisis clínicos donde no pueda ser utilizado otro procedimiento. Por último, con la EGPA se obtuvo un índice de sensibilidad del 92%, lo que sumado a la importancia de la infromación adicional que suministra, la hace un método imprescindible en todo laboratorio donde se desarrollan estudio epidemiológicos sobre rotavirus (AU)