Cost-Effectiveness of Technologies for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review of Economic Studies.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to systematically collect data on cost-effectiveness analyses that assess technologies to treat type I and II spinal muscular atrophy and evaluate their recommendations. METHODS: A structured electronic search was conducted in 4 databases. Additionally, a complementary manual search was conducted. Complete economic studies that evaluated nusinersen, risdiplam, onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA), and the best support therapy (BST) from the health system's perspective were selected. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were compared with various thresholds for the analysis. The review was registered a priori in PROSPERO (CRD42022365391). RESULTS: Twenty studies were included in the analyses. They were all published between 2017 and 2022 and represent the recommendations in 8 countries. Most studies adopted 5, 6, or 10-state Markov models. Some authors took part in multiple studies. Four technologies were evaluated: BST (N = 14), nusinersen (N = 19), risdiplam (N = 5), and OA (N = 9). OA, risdiplam, and nusinersen were considered inefficient compared with the BST. Risdiplam and OA were generally regarded as cost-effective when compared with nusinersen. Because nusinersen is not a cost-effective drug, no recommendation can be derived from this result. Risdiplam and OA were compared in 2 studies that presented opposite results. CONCLUSIONS: Nusinersen, risdiplam, and OA are being adopted worldwide as a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. Despite that, the pharmacoeconomic analyses show that the technologies are not cost-effective compared with the BST. The lack of controlled studies for risdiplam and OA hamper any conclusions about their face-to-face comparison.

The Burden of Chagas Disease in the Contemporary World: The RAISE Study.

Chagas disease (ChD), a Neglected Tropical Disease, has witnessed a transformative epidemiological landscape characterized by a trend of reduction in prevalence, shifting modes of transmission, urbanization, and globalization. Historically a vector-borne disease in rural areas of Latin America, effective control measures have reduced the incidence in many countries, leading to a demographic shift where most affected individuals are now adults. However, challenges persist in regions like the Gran Chaco, and emerging oral transmission in the Amazon basin adds complexity. Urbanization and migration from rural to urban areas and to non-endemic countries, especially in Europe and the US, have redefined the disease's reach. These changing patterns contribute to uncertainties in estimating ChD prevalence, exacerbated by the lack of recent data, scarcity of surveys, and reliance on outdated models. Besides, ChD's lifelong natural history, marked by acute and chronic phases, introduces complexities in diagnosis, particularly in non-endemic regions where healthcare provider awareness is low. The temporal dissociation of infection and clinical manifestations, coupled with underreporting, has rendered ChD invisible in health statistics. Deaths attributed to ChD cardiomyopathy often go unrecognized, camouflaged under alternative causes. Understanding these challenges, the RAISE project aims to reassess the burden of ChD and ChD cardiomyopathy. The project is a collaborative effort of the World Heart Federation, Novartis Global Health, the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and a team of specialists coordinated by Brazil's Federal University of Minas Gerais. Employing a multidimensional strategy, the project seeks to refine estimates of ChD-related deaths, conduct systematic reviews on seroprevalence and prevalence of clinical forms, enhance existing modeling frameworks, and calculate the global economic burden, considering healthcare expenditures and service access. The RAISE project aspires to bridge knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and inform evidence-based health policies and research initiatives, positioning ChD prominently on the global health agenda.

The economic burden of Chagas disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease affecting millions worldwide, yet little is known about its economic burden. This systematic review is part of RAISE project, a broader study that aims to estimate the global prevalence, mortality, and health and economic burden attributable to chronic CD and Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. The objective of this study was to assess the main costs associated with the treatment of CD in both endemic and non-endemic countries. METHODS: An electronic search of the Medline, Lilacs, and Embase databases was conducted until 31st, 2022, to identify and select economic studies that evaluated treatment costs of CD. No restrictions on place or language were made. Complete or partial economic analyses were included. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included, with two-thirds referring to endemic countries. The most commonly investigated cost components were inpatient care, exams, surgeries, consultation, drugs, and pacemakers. However, significant heterogeneity in the estimation methods and presentation of data was observed, highlighting the absence of standardization in the measurement methods and cost components. The most common component analyzed using the same metric was hospitalization. The mean annual hospital cost per patient ranges from $25.47 purchasing power parity US dollars (PPP-USD) to $18,823.74 PPP-USD, and the median value was $324.44 PPP-USD. The lifetime hospital cost per patient varies from $209,44 PPP-USD for general care to $14,351.68 PPP-USD for patients with heart failure. DISCUSSION: Despite the limitations of the included studies, this study is the first systematic review of the costs of CD treatment. The findings underscore the importance of standardizing the measurement methods and cost components for estimating the economic burden of CD and improving the comparability of cost components magnitude and cost composition analysis. Finally, assessing the economic burden is essential for public policies designed to eliminate CD, given the continued neglect of this disease.

Cost components of school-based oral health-promoting programs: A systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Oral health-promoting school programs play a crucial role in achieving universal coverage of oral health care, by addressing oral diseases and promoting the well-being and quality of life of children and adolescents. However, a lack of studies has evaluated the costs associated with implementing these programs, which hinders decision-makers in adopting them on a large scale. This review aims to assess the cost components involved in school-based oral health-promoting programs. METHODS: This review will include studies that have conducted either partial or full economic evaluations, focusing on describing the cost components of oral health-promoting programs implemented in primary schools involving students aged 6 to 14. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases: MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, the Virtual Health Library, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Additionally, gray literature was searched using the Health Technology Assessment Database. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction and critical appraisal evaluation will also be carried out independently by two reviewers. In case of disagreements, the reviewer team will resolve them through discussion. DISCUSSION: The systematic review resulting from this protocol aims to provide evidence regarding the cost components and necessary resources for implementing and maintaining oral health-promoting school programs. This information can assist decision-makers in adopting these programs on a larger scale and effectively addressing oral diseases among children and adolescents. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: CRD42022363743.

HBA1C point-of-care testing for diabetes control in a low-income population: A before and after study and cost-parity analysis HbA1c point-of-care testing for diabetes control.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of a program that offered access to HbA1c POC tests for the glycemic control of patients with diabetes in small and poor municipalities of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Using a before and after study, we compared four groups: patients submitted to (i) POC tests; (ii) conventional tests; (iii) both tests; and (iv) neither test. The analysis considered three periods: before the program; before the pandemic; and during the pandemic. A cost comparison was conducted under the societal perspective and a cost-parity model was designed. RESULTS: 1349 patients previously diagnosed with diabetes were included in the analysis. The rate of consultations and the rate of HbA1c testing were significantly different between all periods and groups. Group iii had a much higher consultation and testing rate. The costs were around 89.45 PPP-USD for POC tests and between 32.44 and 54.66 PPP-USD for conventional tests. Cost-parity analysis suggests that the technology would be acceptable if the annual number of tests was between 247 and 771. CONCLUSION: Using POC devices improved access to HbA1c testing but not glycemic control. Even in small towns, the number of tests necessary to achieve cost-parity is low enough to enable their incorporation into the public health system.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Rituximab for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Using a Semi-Markovian Model Approach in R.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the strategies fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab and fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Brazil. METHODS: A three-states clock-reset semi-Markovian model was constructed in R. The time horizon of the analysis was 15 years and monthly cycles were used. Transition probabilities were derived from the survival curves of the CLL-8 study. Other probabilities were also derived from the medical literature. Costs included in the model referred to the application of injectable drugs, prescription cost, cost of treating adverse events, and costs of supportive care. The model was evaluated by microsimulation. To determine the study result, multiple cost-effectiveness threshold values were used. RESULTS: In the main analysis, an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 19 029.38 PPP-US dollars (USD)/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) (41 141.52 Brazilian real/QALY) was observed. In 1.8% of the iterations, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide was considered dominant over fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. It can be shown that at 1 gross domestic product (GDP) per capita/QALY, 36.1% of the iterations would consider the technology cost-effective. At 2 GDP per capita/QALY, this number rises to 82.1%. At 50 000 USD/QALY, 92.8% of the iterations would suggest the technology to be cost-effective. In terms of some threshold accepted or proposed around the world, the technology would be considered cost-effective at 50 000 USD/QALY, 3 GDP per capita/QALY, and 2 GDP per capita/QALY. It would not be cost-effective at 1 GDP per capita/QALY or the opportunity costs threshold. CONCLUSION: It can be considered that rituximab is cost-effective for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Brazil.

The economic burden of malaria: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Quantifying disease costs is critical for policymakers to set priorities, allocate resources, select control and prevention strategies, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions. Although malaria carries a very large disease burden, the availability of comprehensive and comparable estimates of malaria costs across endemic countries is scarce. METHODS: A literature review to summarize methodologies utilized to estimate malaria treatment costs was conducted to identify gaps in knowledge. RESULTS: Only 45 publications met the inclusion criteria. They utilize different methods, include distinct cost components, have varied geographical coverage (a country vs a city), include different periods in the analysis, and focus on specific parasite types or population groups (e.g., pregnant women). CONCLUSIONS: Cost estimates currently available are not comparable, hindering broad statements on the costs of malaria, and constraining advocacy efforts towards investment in malaria control and elimination, particularly with the finance and development sectors of the government.

Medical adhesive-related skin injuries in the neonatology department of a teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Medical adhesives are used to affix components to the skin. They are part of procedures performed by medical specialties because of their participation as constituents of different products, such as tapes, dressings, and electrodes. AIM: This study aims to assess the prevalence of, and factors associated with, the development of medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs) in patients treated with medical tapes in the neonatology department of a large teaching hospital in Brazil. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: All premature newborns (gestational age from 28 to <37 weeks) admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a teaching hospital, from March to August 2019, were followed up. Neonate skin condition was assessed based on the Neonatal Skin Condition Scale (NSCS). Data analyses were conducted in R software. RESULTS: In total, 46 premature newborns were included in the study; 552 evaluations were performed-mean of 11.7 per patient. Most neonates (n = 41; 89.1%) used adhesive tapes, either paper tape (n = 37; 80.4%) or transparent film dressing (n = 34; 73.9%). Newborns' face and head were the most affected body regions (n = 125; 50.2%). Eight patients had MARSIs (19.5% of patients who used tape). NSCS scores (P value <.001) and the adopted warming system (P value = .01302) were associated with the occurrence of MARSIs. Incubators seem to be a protective factor for MARSI (OR = 0.048; IC95% = 0.0008-0.75; P value = .013). CONCLUSION: Adhesive tapes in premature newborns should be considered a risk factor for injuries. Although NSCS showed mild-to-moderate impairment and lesion severity was low, this event is relatively frequent in neonatal units. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Awareness of the risk associated with adhesive tape application and removal in newborns allow health services to better address the problem by enforcing good practices, elaborating better protocols, qualifying the health care professionals, and potentially selecting softer tapes for neonates.

Health-related vulnerability to climate extremes in homoclimatic zones of Amazonia and Northeast region of Brazil.

Amazonia and the Northeast region of Brazil exhibit the highest levels of climate vulnerability in the country. While Amazonia is characterized by an extremely hot and humid climate and hosts the world largest rainforest, the Northeast is home to sharp climatic contrasts, ranging from rainy areas along the coast to semiarid regions that are often affected by droughts. Both regions are subject to extremely high temperatures and are susceptible to many tropical diseases. This study develops a multidimensional Extreme Climate Vulnerability Index (ECVI) for Brazilian Amazonia and the Northeast region based on the Alkire-Foster method. Vulnerability is defined by three components, encompassing exposure (proxied by seven climate extreme indicators), susceptibility (proxied by sociodemographic indicators), and adaptive capacity (proxied by sanitation conditions, urbanization rate, and healthcare provision). In addition to the estimated vulnerability levels and intensity, we break down the ECVI by indicators, dimensions, and regions, in order to explore how the incidence levels of climate-sensitive infectious and parasitic diseases correlate with regional vulnerability. We use the Grade of Membership method to reclassify the mesoregions into homoclimatic zones based on extreme climatic events, so climate and population/health data can be analyzed at comparable resolutions. We find two homoclimatic zones: Extreme Rain (ER) and Extreme Drought and High Temperature (ED-HT). Vulnerability is higher in the ED-HT areas than in the ER. The contribution of each dimension to overall vulnerability levels varies by homoclimatic zone. In the ER zone, adaptive capacity (39%) prevails as the main driver of vulnerability among the three dimensions, in contrast with the approximately even dimensional contribution in the ED-HT. When we compare areas by disease incidence levels, exposure emerges as the most influential dimension. Our results suggest that climate can exacerbate existing infrastructure deficiencies and socioeconomic conditions that are correlated with tropical disease incidence in impoverished areas.

Enough with the madness: a systematic review and meta-analysis of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 / Chega de loucura: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise de hidroxicloroquina para COVID-19

Objective: Because of preliminary results from in vitro studies, ydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) have been proposed as possible treatments for COVID-19, but the clinical evidence is discordant. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CQ and HCQ for the treatment of COVID-19. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. An electronic search was conducted in four databases for randomized controlled trials that compared HCQ or CQ with standard-of-care. A complementary search was performed. A quantitative synthesis of clinical outcomes was performed using the inverse variance method adjusting for a random-effects model. Results: In total, 16 studies were included. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between intervention and control groups in terms of mortality at the most extended follow-up (RR = 1.09, CI95% = 0.99-1.19, p-value = 0.08), patients with negative PCR results (RR = 0.99, CI95% = 0.89-1.10, p-value = 0.86), or serious adverse events (RR = 2.21, CI95% = 0.89-5.47, p-value = 0.09). HCQ was associated with an increased risk of adverse events (RR = 2.28, CI95% = 1.36-2.83, p-value < 0.01). The quality of evidence varied from very low to high. Conclusion: There is no evidence that HCQ reduces the risk of death or improves cure rates in patients with COVID-19, but it might be associated with an increased risk of adverse events

Objetivo: Devido aos resultados preliminares de estudos in vitro, a hidroxicloroquina (HCQ) e a cloroquina (CQ) foram propostas como possíveis tratamentos para a COVID-19, mas as evidências clínicas são discordantes. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a segurança e a eficácia da CQ e HCQ no tratamento da COVID-19. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática com metanálise. Uma busca eletrônica foi realizada em quatro bancos de dados por ensaios clínicos randomizados que compararam a HCQ ou CQ com o tratamento-padrão. Uma busca complementar foi realizada. Uma síntese quantitativa dos resultados foi realizada usando o método de variância inversa para um modelo de efeitos aleatórios. Resultados: No total, 16 estudos foram incluídos. A metanálise não encontrou nenhuma diferença significativa entre os grupos de intervenção e controle em termos de mortalidade no acompanhamento mais longo (RR = 1,09, IC95% = 0,99-1,19, valor-p = 0,08), pacientes com resultados de PCR negativos (RR = 0,99, IC95% = 0,89-1,10, valor-p = 0,86) ou eventos adversos graves (RR = 2,21, IC95% = 0,89-5,47, valor-p = 0,09). HCQ foi associada a um risco aumentado de eventos adversos (RR = 2,28, IC95% = 1,36-2,83, valor-p < 0,01). A qualidade da evidência variou de muito baixa a alta. Conclusão: Não há evidências de que a HCQ reduza o risco de morte ou aumente a taxa de cura em pacientes com COVID-19, mas pode estar associada a um risco aumentado de eventos adversos

Estimation of Health-Related Quality of Life Losses Owing to a Technological Disaster in Brazil Using EQ-5D-3L: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: In 2015, a dam collapsed at Samarco iron ore mine in the municipality of Mariana, Brazil, and contaminated more than 600 km of watercourses and destroyed almost 1600 acres of vegetation. Nineteen people died and more than 600 families lost their homes. This study aimed to estimate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) losses owing to this disaster. METHODS: We collected data from a probabilistic sample of 459 individuals aged 15 years or older. Household face-to-face interviews were conducted in December 2018. Pre-event data were not available for this population, so respondents were asked to evaluate at present and in retrospect their health status using EQ-5D-3L. The Minas Gerais societal value sets for EQ-5D-3L health preferences, estimated in 2011, were used to calculate utility losses. The health loss estimation from EQ-5D will form the basis for the calculation of compensation payments for the victims. RESULTS: Approximately 74% of the study population suffered some HRQoL loss. On average, EQ-5D index values decreased from 0.95 to 0.76. The greatest effects were observed for the anxiety/depression dimension, followed by pain/discomfort. Before the tragedy, the proportion of individuals with severe anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort was equal to 1% rising to 23% and 11%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Catastrophic losses owing to the Samarco disaster were found. The EQ-5D-3L instrument showed feasibility and sensitiveness to measure HRQoL losses owing to a negative health shock in a low-income Brazilian population.

Análise da concordância entre as informações reportadas pelas mães e dos cartões de vacina das crianças no Brasil (2013 e 2015) / Analysis of the agreement between information on child vaccination reported by mothers and that on the children's vaccination cards in Brazil (2013-2015)

Resumo Introdução Este trabalho discute a possibilidade de utilização de informações sobre a vacinação infantil reportada pelas mães em inquéritos domiciliares para a construção de indicadores de cobertura vacinal no Brasil. Objetivo Avaliar o potencial das informações declaradas pelas mães sobre a imunização das crianças em inquéritos domiciliares como uma fonte para o cálculo do indicador de cobertura vacinal. Método Analisaram-se os indicadores de confiabilidade (precisão) e validade (concordância) entre as informações disponíveis nos cartões de vacina das crianças menores de 2 anos e as informações reportadas pelas mães em pesquisas domiciliares realizadas nos anos de 2013 e 2015 no município de Santo Antônio do Monte, Minas Gerais. Resultados O principal resultado mostra que, em um contexto de alta cobertura, as mães tendiam a informar sobre a vacinação de seus filhos de forma aleatória, ou seja, informações reportadas pelas mães apresentavam baixa validade. Conclusão Embora a coleta de informações dos cartões de vacina das crianças seja um procedimento mais custoso, essa é a forma mais adequada e confiável de se mensurar a cobertura vacinal no contexto brasileiro.

Abstract Background This study discusses the possibility of using information on child vaccination reported by mothers through household surveys to construct indicators of immunization coverage in Brazil. Objective Evaluate the potential of information reported by mothers on the immunization of children in household surveys as a source to calculate a vaccination coverage indicator. Method The indicators of reliability (accuracy) and validity (concordance) between the information available on the vaccination cards of children under two years of age and that reported by mothers in two household surveys conducted in 2013 and 2015 in the municipality of Santo Antônio do Monte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results The main result shows that, in a context of high coverage, the mothers tended to inform randomly about the vaccination of their children, that is, the information reported by mothers presented low validity. Conclusion Although collecting information from children's vaccination cards is a more costly procedure, it is the most adequate and reliable way to measure vaccination coverage in the Brazilian context.

Limitação funcional e cuidado dos idosos não institucionalizados no Brasil, 2013 / Functional limitation and the care provided to non-institutionalized older people in Brazil, 2013

RESUMO Introdução No Brasil, o envelhecimento populacional impõe desafios à sociedade, entre os quais está o cuidado do idoso centrado na família. A ampliação da longevidade e as mudanças nos arranjos familiares aumentam a necessidade do cuidado formal. Objetivo Caracterizar o perfil do idoso não institucionalizado com incapacidade funcional, analisando o recebimento de ajuda no âmbito domiciliar, além de mensurar o déficit de ajuda na realização de pelo menos uma das atividades básicas da vida diária (ABDV). Método Os dados são provenientes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2013. Utilizou-se da análise descritiva e dos modelos de regressão logística. Resultados Os resultados mostraram que 17% dos idosos relataram alguma dificuldade em realizar pelo menos uma das ABVD. A incapacidade foi maior entre os idosos com menores níveis de riqueza, menos escolarizados e com morbidades. Entre aqueles com incapacidade funcional, 10% relataram não receber ajuda, sendo essa chance maior entre os mais pobres, morando sozinhos e mulheres. Apenas 6% dos idosos com incapacidade funcional recebiam ajuda por meio de um cuidador formal, sendo mais expressivo entre os idosos com ensino superior completo e riqueza mais elevada. Conclusão Esses resultados refletem a importância do poder aquisitivo para a contratação do cuidado formal que é de elevado custo.

ABSTRACT Background In Brazil, population aging poses major challenges for society. Among them is the family-centered care provided to older people. Extending longevity and changes in family arrangements increase the need for formal care. Objective To characterize the profile of non-institutionalized older people with functional disability, analyzing the care provided to them at the household level, and measure the deficit in the care provided for at least one of the activities of daily living (ADL). Method The data were retrieved from the National Health Survey of 2013 (PNS 2013). Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were used. Results The results showed that approximately 17% of the older people reported some difficulty in performing at least one ADL. Disability was higher among those with lower socioeconomic status (SES) and educational level and with morbidities. Among those with functional disability, 10% reported not receiving the care needed, and this proportion was higher among those who are poorer, live alone, and women. Only 6% of older people with functional disability was assisted by a formal caregiver, and this care was more expressive among those with complete higher education and higher SES. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of SES for hiring costly formal care.

Rotational thromboelastometry in the perioperative period of cardiac surgeries: cost-effectiveness analysis and budget impact / Tromboelastometria rotacional no período perioperatório de cirurgias cardíacas: custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário

Objective: The transfusion of blood components and blood products in cardiac surgery patients can be guided by protocols based on standard laboratory tests and/or clinical decisions (Standardof-Care, SOC) or viscoelastic haemostatic assays (VHA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of VHAs compared to SOC. Methods: A decision tree model was built in TreeAge Pro® 2009. Costs and benefits were taken from the medical literature. The costeffectiveness was evaluated in a base-case scenario and a worst-case scenario, considering low costs of adverse events. The budget impact was evaluated from data taken from Datasus. Cost data were measured in 2019 USD and outcomes were measured in QALYs. Results: VHAs were considered dominant in the base-case scenario and very cost-effective in the worst-case scenario (ICER = $ 1,083.21 USD/QALY). The budget impact analysis varied from a cost-saving result in the base-case scenario to a reasonable increase in cost in the worst-case scenario. Since the total market share of the technology is unlikely, a reasonable estimative for the base-case scenario and the worst-case scenario are about -$275 million USD and $132 million USD, respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that the VHAs are cost-effective and should be recommended for the use in the perioperative period of cardiac surgeries, especially for patients with a high risk of hemorrhage or coagulation problems.

Objetivo: A transfusão de sangue, hemocomponentes e produtos sanguíneos em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia cardíaca pode ser guiada por protocolos baseados em testes laboratoriais padrão e/ou decisão clínica (Standard-of-Care, SOC) ou testes viscoelásticos (TVEs). O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o custo-efetividade e o impacto orçamentário dos TVEs em comparação com o SOC. Métodos: Um modelo de árvore de decisão foi construído em TreeAge Pro® 2009. Os parâmetros de custos e benefícios foram obtidos da literatura médica. A relação custo-efetividade foi avaliada em um cenário-base e no pior cenário, considerando baixos custos de eventos adversos. O impacto orçamentário foi avaliado a partir de dados extraídos do Datasus. Os custos foram avaliados em USD 2019 e os desfechos em AVAQs. Resultados: Os TVEs foram considerados dominantes no cenário-base e muito custo-efetivos no pior cenário avaliado (RCEI = 1.083,21 USD/QALY). A análise de impacto orçamentário variou de um resultado de economia de custos no cenário-base a um aumento razoável no custo no pior cenário. Como a hipótese de que a tecnologia será adotada para toda a demanda do mercado é improvável, estimativas razoáveis para o cenário-base e o pior cenário são de aproximadamente -275 milhões de USD e 132 milhões de USD, respectivamente. Conclusão: Concluímos que os VHAs são econômicos e devem ser recomendados para uso no período perioperatório de cirurgias cardíacas, principalmente para pacientes com alto risco de problemas de hemorragia ou coagulação.

[Social integration profiles among non-frail elderly institutionalized individuals in Natal, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil]. / Perfis de integração social entre idosos institucionalizados não frágeis no município de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

The scope of this study was to profile non-frail elderly individuals in Long-Stay Care Institutions in Natal, emphasizing social integration and stratification in philanthropic and private institutions in 2012. The instrument used was the Brazil Old Age Schedule (BOAS). Descriptive analysis was carried out and sociodemographic and health profiles of the elderly were estimated using the Grade of Membership (GoM) scale to obtain social integration typologies. The results indicated that 68 elderly were eligible; 63.2% were female, and 51.5% were 80 years or older; 43% reported poor or extremely poor health. The application of the GoM method yielded three profiles. The first is characterized by the elderly with higher presence of sociable/integrated men living in philanthropic institutions (22% of the elderly); the second mainly encompasses women in philanthropic institutions, with vulnerable health conditions and depression (34.9%); the third is the profile with higher levels of integration/sociability in private institutions, but also characterized by elderly persons with functional disability (34.9%). This study is important since integration and independence must be a part of social life of the elderly irrespective of the place where they live.

O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar idosos não frágeis em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) em Natal, enfatizando a integração social em instituições filantrópicas e privadas. Os dados foram de pesquisa realizada em 2012. O instrumento utilizado foi o Brazil Old Age Schedule (BOAS). Realizou-se análise descritiva e, posteriormente, foram estimados perfis sociodemográficos e de saúde dos idosos a partir do método Grade of Membership (GoM) que permitiu identificar tipologias de integração social. Os achados indicaram que dos 68 idosos elegíveis, 63,2% eram do sexo feminino e 51,5% tinham 80 anos ou mais; 43% reportaram saúde ruim ou péssima. O método GoM caracterizou 3 perfis: um com maior presença de homens sociáveis/integrados, residentes em ILPI filantrópicas (22% dos idosos); outro, de mulheres isoladas em ILPI filantrópicas com condições vulneráveis de saúde e depressão (34,9%); um terceiro, de idosos sociáveis/integrados em ILPI particulares com boas condições de saúde, mas com fragilidade funcional e mais velhos (34,9%). O tema do estudo é relevante pois a institucionalização deveria manter ou até mesmo estimular a integridade e a independência do idoso em todos os aspectos da vida social dentro e fora da instituição.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: analysis of supply and demand of hospital and ICU beds and mechanical ventilators under different scenarios. / Pandemia por COVID-19 no Brasil: análise da demanda e da oferta de leitos hospitalares e equipamentos de ventilação assistida segundo diferentes cenários.

This study aims to analyze the pressure on the Brazilian health system from the additional demand created by COVID-19. The authors performed a series of simulations to estimate the demand for hospital beds (health micro-regions) as well as to ICU beds, and mechanical ventilators (health macro-regions) under different scenarios of intensity (infection rates equivalent to 0.01, 0.1, and 1 case por 100 inhabitants) and time horizons (1, 3, and 6 months). The results reveal a critical situation in the system for meeting this potential demand, with numerous health micro-regions and macro-regions operating beyond their capacity, compromising the care for patients, especially those with more severe symptoms. The study presents three relevant messages. First, it is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Brazilian population, allowing more time for the reorganization of the supply and relieve the pressure on the health system. Second, the expansion of the number of available beds will be the key. Even if the private sector helps offset the deficit, the combined supply from the two sectors (public and private) would be insufficient in various macro-regions. The construction of field hospitals is important, both in places with a history of "hospital deserts" and in those already pressured by demand. The third message involves the regionalized organization of health services, whose design may be adequate in situations of routine demand, but which suffer additional challenges during pandemics, especially if patients have to travel long distances to receive care.

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a pressão sobre o sistema de saúde no Brasil decorrente da demanda adicional gerada pela COVID-19. Para tanto, foi realizado um conjunto de simulações para estimar a demanda de leitos gerais (microrregiões de saúde), leitos de UTI e equipamentos de ventilação assistida (macrorregiões de saúde) em diferentes cenários, para intensidade (taxas de infecção equivalentes a 0,01, 0,1 e 1 caso por 100 habitantes) e horizontes temporais (1, 3 e 6 meses). Os resultados evidenciam uma situação crítica do sistema para atender essa demanda potencial, uma vez que diversas microrregiões e macrorregiões de saúde operariam além de sua capacidade, comprometendo o atendimento a pacientes principalmente aqueles com sintomas mais severos. O estudo apresenta três mensagens relevantes. Em primeiro lugar, é necessário reduzir a velocidade de propagação da COVID-19 na população brasileira, permitindo um tempo maior para a reorganização da oferta e aliviando a pressão sobre o sistema de saúde. Segundo, é necessário expandir o número de leitos disponíveis. Ainda que o setor privado contribua para amortecer o déficit de demanda, a oferta conjunta dos dois setores não seria suficiente em várias macrorregiões. A construção de hospitais de campanha é importante, tanto em locais onde historicamente há vazios assistenciais como também naqueles onde já se observa uma pressão do lado da demanda. A terceira mensagem diz respeito à organização regionalizada dos serviços de saúde que, apesar de adequada em situações de demanda usual, em momentos de pandemia este desenho implica desafios adicionais, especialmente se a distância que o paciente tiver de percorrer for muito grande.

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la presión sobre el sistema de salud brasileño, ocasionada por la demanda adicional de camas hospitalarias y equipos de ventilación mecánica, generada por el COVID-19. Para tal fin, se realizó un conjunto de simulaciones, con el fin de estimar la demanda de camas generales (microrregiones de salud), camas de UTI y equipamientos de ventilación asistida (macrorregiones de salud) en diferentes escenarios, según la intensidad (tasas de infección equivalentes a 0,01, 0,1 y 1 caso por 100 habitantes) y horizontes temporales (1, 3 y 6 meses). Los resultados evidencian una situación crítica del sistema para atender esa demanda potencial, ya que diversas microrregiones y macrorregiones de salud operarían más allá de su capacidad, comprometiendo la atención a pacientes principalmente aquellos con los síntomas más graves. El estudio presenta tres mensajes relevantes. En primer lugar, es necesario reducir la velocidad de propagación del COVID-19 en la población brasileña, permitiendo un tiempo mayor para la reorganización de la oferta y aliviando la presión sobre el sistema de salud. En segundo lugar, es necesario expandir el número de camas disponibles. A pesar de que el sector privado contribuya a amortiguar el déficit de demanda, la oferta conjunta de los dos sectores no sería suficiente en varias macrorregiones. La construcción de hospitales de campaña es importante, tanto en lugares donde históricamente existen lagunas asistenciales, como también en aquellos donde ya se observa una presión por parte de la demanda. El tercer mensaje se refiere a la organización por regiones de los servicios de salud que, a pesar de ser adecuada en situaciones de demanda habitual, en momentos de pandemia, este diseño implica desafíos adicionales, especialmente si la distancia que el paciente tuviera que recorrer fuera muy lejana.

Cost-effectiveness and Price of Aripiprazole for Schizophrenia in the Brazilian Public Health System

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a chronic debilitating condition characterized by disorders in thought, affect and behavior. Considering the low effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia and the potentially high cost of an inadequate choice, a systematic cost-effectiveness evaluation of the list of subsidized antipsychotic drugs is necessary in order to allow an adequate choice of pharmacotherapy for the patient and the financial reality of the Brazilian public health system (SUS). OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of the subsidized antipsychotic drugs for the first-line treatment of schizophrenia in Brazil and aripiprazole, and to discuss a reasonable incorporation price for aripiprazole. METHODS: A three-year Markov model with quarterly cycles was developed in TreeAge Pro® 2009 to assess the cost-effectiveness of six listed oral antipsychotic drugs for the first-line treatment of schizophrenia in the Brazilian public health system (haloperidol, chlorpromazine, risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and olanzapine) and oral aripiprazole. Outcomes were measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Reasonable prices for aripiprazole were calculated based on the placement of the drug in the efficiency frontier and the cost-effectiveness ratio of the most efficient comparator. RESULTS: Olanzapine was considered cost-effective adopting any threshold value. If me-too drugs are required to be least as efficient as the comparators, olanzapine would still be cost-effective under 0.031 USD/mg. Aripiprazole was absolutely dominated by risperidone. The sensitivity analysis showed important uncertainty, which was expected. There is, nevertheless, a prominent separation between ziprasidone, quetiapine and the efficiency frontier. Aripiprazole was not considered cost-effective even when its price was set at zero: CER = USD 4,102 vs. USD 3,945 (haloperidol), USD 3,616 (chlorpromazine), USD 3,646 (risperidone) and USD 3,752 (olanzapine) USD/QALY. CONCLUSION: Olanzapine was considered the most cost-effective drug for the first-line treatment of schizophrenia in Brazil. Aripiprazole was dominated by risperidone and was not considered cost-effective against olanzapine. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVISION AND USE: This work demonstrated, using a price adjustment process, that there is no viable price that would make aripiprazole cost-effective for incorporation in the Brazilian public health system in the first-line of treatment of schizophrenia. The drug can be useful in specific cases, since individual variability of response to antipsychotic drugs is important.

Pandemia por COVID-19 no Brasil: análise da demanda e da oferta de leitos hospitalares e equipamentos de ventilação assistida segundo diferentes cenários / Pandemia por COVID-19 en Brasil: análisis de la demanda y oferta de camas hospitalarias, así como equipamientos de ventilación asistida, según diferentes escenarios / The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: analysis of supply and demand of hospital and ICU beds and mechanical ventilators under different scenarios

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a pressão sobre o sistema de saúde no Brasil decorrente da demanda adicional gerada pela COVID-19. Para tanto, foi realizado um conjunto de simulações para estimar a demanda de leitos gerais (microrregiões de saúde), leitos de UTI e equipamentos de ventilação assistida (macrorregiões de saúde) em diferentes cenários, para intensidade (taxas de infecção equivalentes a 0,01, 0,1 e 1 caso por 100 habitantes) e horizontes temporais (1, 3 e 6 meses). Os resultados evidenciam uma situação crítica do sistema para atender essa demanda potencial, uma vez que diversas microrregiões e macrorregiões de saúde operariam além de sua capacidade, comprometendo o atendimento a pacientes principalmente aqueles com sintomas mais severos. O estudo apresenta três mensagens relevantes. Em primeiro lugar, é necessário reduzir a velocidade de propagação da COVID-19 na população brasileira, permitindo um tempo maior para a reorganização da oferta e aliviando a pressão sobre o sistema de saúde. Segundo, é necessário expandir o número de leitos disponíveis. Ainda que o setor privado contribua para amortecer o déficit de demanda, a oferta conjunta dos dois setores não seria suficiente em várias macrorregiões. A construção de hospitais de campanha é importante, tanto em locais onde historicamente há vazios assistenciais como também naqueles onde já se observa uma pressão do lado da demanda. A terceira mensagem diz respeito à organização regionalizada dos serviços de saúde que, apesar de adequada em situações de demanda usual, em momentos de pandemia este desenho implica desafios adicionais, especialmente se a distância que o paciente tiver de percorrer for muito grande.

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la presión sobre el sistema de salud brasileño, ocasionada por la demanda adicional de camas hospitalarias y equipos de ventilación mecánica, generada por el COVID-19. Para tal fin, se realizó un conjunto de simulaciones, con el fin de estimar la demanda de camas generales (microrregiones de salud), camas de UTI y equipamientos de ventilación asistida (macrorregiones de salud) en diferentes escenarios, según la intensidad (tasas de infección equivalentes a 0,01, 0,1 y 1 caso por 100 habitantes) y horizontes temporales (1, 3 y 6 meses). Los resultados evidencian una situación crítica del sistema para atender esa demanda potencial, ya que diversas microrregiones y macrorregiones de salud operarían más allá de su capacidad, comprometiendo la atención a pacientes principalmente aquellos con los síntomas más graves. El estudio presenta tres mensajes relevantes. En primer lugar, es necesario reducir la velocidad de propagación del COVID-19 en la población brasileña, permitiendo un tiempo mayor para la reorganización de la oferta y aliviando la presión sobre el sistema de salud. En segundo lugar, es necesario expandir el número de camas disponibles. A pesar de que el sector privado contribuya a amortiguar el déficit de demanda, la oferta conjunta de los dos sectores no sería suficiente en varias macrorregiones. La construcción de hospitales de campaña es importante, tanto en lugares donde históricamente existen lagunas asistenciales, como también en aquellos donde ya se observa una presión por parte de la demanda. El tercer mensaje se refiere a la organización por regiones de los servicios de salud que, a pesar de ser adecuada en situaciones de demanda habitual, en momentos de pandemia, este diseño implica desafíos adicionales, especialmente si la distancia que el paciente tuviera que recorrer fuera muy lejana.

This study aims to analyze the pressure on the Brazilian health system from the additional demand created by COVID-19. The authors performed a series of simulations to estimate the demand for hospital beds (health micro-regions) as well as to ICU beds, and mechanical ventilators (health macro-regions) under different scenarios of intensity (infection rates equivalent to 0.01, 0.1, and 1 case por 100 inhabitants) and time horizons (1, 3, and 6 months). The results reveal a critical situation in the system for meeting this potential demand, with numerous health micro-regions and macro-regions operating beyond their capacity, compromising the care for patients, especially those with more severe symptoms. The study presents three relevant messages. First, it is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Brazilian population, allowing more time for the reorganization of the supply and relieve the pressure on the health system. Second, the expansion of the number of available beds will be the key. Even if the private sector helps offset the deficit, the combined supply from the two sectors (public and private) would be insufficient in various macro-regions. The construction of field hospitals is important, both in places with a history of "hospital deserts" and in those already pressured by demand. The third message involves the regionalized organization of health services, whose design may be adequate in situations of routine demand, but which suffer additional challenges during pandemics, especially if patients have to travel long distances to receive care.

Silicone tape versus micropore tape to prevent medical adhesive-related skin injuries: systematic review and meta-analysis / Fita de silicone versus fita microporosa para prevenção de lesão cutânea relacionada a adesivos médicos: revisão sistemática e metanálise

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of silicone tapes compared to microporous tapes in patients with fragile skin. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out. Clinical trials that compared silicone tape for medical use with the microporous tape in preterm newborns, newborns, children, elders, or people with increased risk of MARSI were included. This report followed the principles of the PRISMA statement. Results: Three randomized controlled trials were included. The silicone tape was associated with fewer injuries (RR = 0.53; p-value = 0.03), but no difference was found in terms of prevention of moderate or severe injuries (RR = 0.25; p-value = 0.20). Silicone tapes produce significantly less edema/erythema response than microporous tapes in children (MD = -0.42; p-value < 0.0001). The quality of evidence was considered very low. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that silicone tapes may be gentler to patients' skin than microporous tapes. However, no study reported data on the outcomes of interest. The studies have small samples, a short time horizon, and the quality of evidence was considered very low. There is insufficient information to allow the recommendation of silicone tapes to prevent skin injuries compared to microporous tapes.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia e a segurança das fitas de silicone comparadas às fitas microporosas em pacientes com pele frágil. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi conduzida. Ensaios clínicos que compararam a fita de silicone para uso médico com a fita microporosa em pacientes prematuros, neonatos, crianças, idosos ou pessoas com risco aumentado de lesão por adesivos médicos foram incluídos. Esse relato seguiu os princípios do relatório PRISMA. Resultados: Três ensaios clínicos randomizados foram incluídos. As fitas de silicone foram associadas a menor risco de lesões (RR = 0,53; valor-p = 0,03), mas não foi observada diferença em termos de lesões moderadas ou graves (RR = 0,25; valor-p = 0,20), e produziram significativamente menos edema/eritema que fitas microporosas em crianças (MD = -0,42; valor-p < 0,0001). A qualidade da evidência foi considerada baixa. Conclusão: A evidência sugere que as fitas de silicone são mais gentis à pele dos pacientes que as fitas microporosas. No entanto, nenhum estudo incluído reportou dados sobre os desfechos de interesse. Os estudos tinham amostras pequenas, horizonte temporal curto e qualidade de evidência muito baixa. A informação existente é insuficiente para possibilitar a recomendação das fitas de silicone para prevenção de lesões cutâneas em comparação com as fitas microporosas.

The Price of Substitute Technologies.

BACKGROUND: Only a small share of new drugs is truly innovative; 85% to 90% of all new health technologies have little or no advantage over existing therapeutic alternatives. Health economic evaluations can be used to induce acceptable prices for new technologies through threshold pricing. OBJECTIVE: This work discusses a cost-effectiveness threshold (λ) to be applied to the price regulation of substitute technologies. METHODS: Considering that substitute technologies add only small marginal benefits in terms of innovation or ethical considerations to the system, it does not make sense to allow a loss of efficiency to list them. It has been postulated that the threshold calculated from opportunity costs (κ) represents its maximum possible value and that there must be a threshold (ß) that maximizes consumer surplus. For a substitute technology to be listed, the cost of treatment associated with it must be lower than the cost of treatment of the incumbent technology added to the difference in effectiveness priced at the threshold. RESULTS: There is no reason for us to believe that the oligopolistic pharmaceutical market is currently charging prices at the cost of production. That way, the cost-effectiveness ratio of the incumbent technology, when lower than κ, is shown through a deductive process to be a plausible estimate for λ that fulfills the objective of maximizing consumer benefit, granting producers a part of the combined surplus to stimulate research and development; that is, it would be between ß and κ. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the price of substitute technologies should be limited by the cost-effectiveness ratio of the incumbent technology.