Cost-effectiveness analysis of mechanical thrombectomy plus tissue-type plasminogen activator compared with tissue-type plasminogen activator alone for acute ischemic stroke in France

Cost-utility of real-time continuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in people with insulin-treated Type II diabetes in France

Aim: Clinical trials and real-world data for Type II diabetes both show that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and hypoglycemia occurrence can be reduced by real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) versus self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). The present cost-utility study investigated the long-term health economic outcomes associated with using rt-CGM versus SMBG in people with insulin-treated Type II diabetes in France. Materials & methods: Effectiveness data were obtained from a real-world study, which showed rt-CGM reduced HbA1c by 0.56% (6.1 mmol/mol) versus sustained SMBG. Analyses were conducted using the IQVIA Core Diabetes Model. A French payer perspective was adopted over a lifetime horizon for a cohort aged 64.5 years with baseline HbA1c of 8.3% (67 mmol/mol). A willingness-to-pay threshold of €147,093 was used, and future costs and outcomes were discounted at 4% annually. Results: The analysis projected quality-adjusted life expectancy was 8.50 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for rt-CGM versus 8.03 QALYs for SMBG (difference: 0.47 QALYs), while total mean lifetime costs were €93,978 for rt-CGM versus €82,834 for SMBG (difference: €11,144). This yielded an incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of €23,772 per QALY gained for rt-CGM versus SMBG. Results were particularly sensitive to changes in the treatment effect (i.e., change in HbA1c), annual price and quality of life benefit associated with rt-CGM, SMBG frequency, baseline patient age and complication costs. Conclusion: The use of rt-CGM is likely to be cost-effective versus SMBG for people with insulin-treated Type II diabetes in France.

Economic evaluation of stent retrievers in basilar artery occlusion: An analysis from Chinese healthcare system perspective

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of stent retriever (SR) versus best medical management (BMM) in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) in China.

METHODS

We used a two-step approach to compare the cost-effectiveness of SR plus BMM with that of BMM alone over 20 years. A decision tree was initially constructed for the first 3 months, followed by a Markov model for the subsequent period. Collected data on clinical aspects were extracted from the BAOCHE investigation, while costs-related information was sourced from previously published research. The key metric for evaluating the primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), achieved $/QALY. The threshold for identifying SR as highly cost-effective was set at an ICER below $12,551/QALY, SR was deemed cost-effective if the ICER ranged from $12,551 to $37,654 per QALY. Uncertainty was addressed using scenario, one-way sensitivity, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA).

FINDINGS

For Chinese patients with BAO, the 20-year cost per patient was $8678 with BMM alone and $21,988 for SR plus BMM. Effectiveness was 1.45 QALY for BMM alone, and 2.77 QALY for SR plus BMM. The ICER of SR + BMM versus BMM alone was $10,050 per QALY. The scenario and one-way sensitivity analyses revealed that in certain situations the ICER could exceed $12,551 per QALY, but remain below $37,654 per QALY. Results from the PSA suggested that SR was likely to be cost-effective for Chinese patients with BAO, with a probability exceeding 98% when considering a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $12,551 per QALY.

IMPLICATIONS

Our study indicates that SR is an intervention option that is highly likely to be cost-effective for Chinese patients with BAO, with a probability of over 98% under the current WTP threshold of $12,551 per QALY.

Endovascular treatment for basilar artery occlusion: a cost-effectiveness analysis based on a meta-analysis

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and economic effect of endovascular treatment (EVT) combined with standard medical treatment (SMT) vs. SMT alone in Chinese patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.

Methods

We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis using the results from a meta-analysis comparing EVT and SMT efficacy in Chinese patients with BAO-induced stroke using direct medical costs from the China National Stroke Registry. The meta-analysis's primary outcome was excellent functional outcome (mRS scores of 0-2), with secondary outcomes being poor functional outcome (mRS scores of 3-5) and death (mRS score of 6). To compare EVT plus SMT's cost-effectiveness with that of SMT alone, we constructed a combined decision tree and Markov model with a lifetime duration and a 3-month cycle length. The primary cost-effectiveness outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), representing the incremental cost per incremental quality-adjusted life year (QALY). EVT was considered cost-effective if the ICER was lower than the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of three times the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 in China; otherwise, it would not be cost-effective.

Results

The meta-analysis results indicated that EVT could increase the incidence of excellent functional outcomes, with a risk ratio (RR) of 2.23 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.18-4.21), p = 0.01. Simultaneously, EVT reduced the risk of poor functional outcome and mortality in the EVT group, with RRs of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.67-1.03), p = 0.09, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.59-0.85), p = 0.0002, respectively. The study also found that EVT plus SMT resulted in a lifetime effectiveness of 2.15 QALY (3.88 life years) for 32,213 international dollars (Intl.$) per patient with BAO. In contrast, SMT alone achieved an effectiveness of 1.46 QALY (3.03 life years) with a total cost of Intl.$ 13,592 per patient. The ICER was Intl.$ 27,265 per QALY (Intl.$ 22,098 per life-year), which fell below the WTP threshold.

Conclusion

Compared to SMT, EVT improves the prognosis of BAO-induced stroke. Considering the Chinese healthcare system, adding EVT to SMT proves to be cost-effective for patients with BAO compared to SMT alone.

Mechanical Thrombectomy with Intravenous Thrombolysis versus Thrombolysis Alone for the Treatment of Stroke: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations

Mechanical thrombectomy has revolutionized the management of stroke by improving the recanalization rates and reducing deleterious consequences. It is now the standard of care despite the high financial cost. A considerable number of studies have evaluated its cost effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to identify economic evaluations of mechanical thrombectomy with thrombolysis compared with thrombolysis alone to provide an update of existing evidence, focusing on the period after proof of effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy. Twenty-one studies were included in the review: 18 were model-based economic evaluations to simulate long-term outcomes and costs, and 19 were conducted in high-income countries. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from -$5,670 to $74,216 per quality-adjusted life year. Mechanical thrombectomy is cost-effective in high-income countries and in the populations selected for clinical trials. However, most of the studies used the same data. There is a lack of real-world and long-term data to analyze the cost effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in treating the global burden of stroke.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of endovascular treatment with or without intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

Intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) may not provide additional benefit in terms of functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who undergo endovascular treatment (EVT). In this context, the cost-effectiveness of EVT alone compared with its application following IV r-tPA has not been evaluated.

METHODS

The authors determined the average rates of death or disability in each of the two treatment groups from four randomized clinical trials that enrolled patients with AIS within 4.5 hours of symptom onset and randomly assigned patients to EVT alone and IV r-tPA and EVT. By using three sources derived from previous studies, the authors determined the cost of IV r-tPA, cost of staff time for administration, cost of the EVT, cost of hospital stay, costs of supported discharge and community care, and cost of posthospitalization care and disability. They then assessed the cost-effectiveness of EVT alone using a decision tree for the 1st year after AIS and a Markov model with a 10-year horizon, including probabilistic assessment by Monte Carlo simulations.

RESULTS

The 1-year cost was higher with IV r-tPA and EVT compared with EVT alone (incremental cost ranging between $3554 and $13,788 per patient). The mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were -$1589, -$78,327, and -$15,471 per quality-adjusted life-year gained for cost sources 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for EVT alone compared with IV r-tPA and EVT at 10 years. The ceiling ICER (willingness to pay) for a probability of 100% that EVT alone was more cost-effective ranged between $25,000 and $100,000 in the three models.

CONCLUSIONS

EVT alone appears to be more cost-effective compared with EVT and IV r-tPA for the treatment of AIS patients presenting within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.

A systematic review of cost-effectiveness analyses on endovascular thrombectomy in ischemic stroke patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the published cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) on endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute stroke patients, with a particular focus on the practice of accounting for costs and utilities.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of published CEAs on EVT in acute stroke patients from 1/1/2009 to 10/1/2019. Published CEAs were searched in Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Cost or comparative effectiveness analyses were excluded. Risk of bias and quality assessment was based on the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standard checklist.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were included in the final analysis, from the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They all concluded EVT to be cost-effective, but with significant variations in methodology. Fifteen studies employed a long-term horizon (> 20 years), while only 11 incorporated risk of recurrent strokes. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold varied from $10,000/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) to $120,000/QALY, with $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY being the most commonly used. Five studies undertook a societal perspective, but only one accounted for indirect costs. Seventeen studies based outcomes on 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and 9 of these 17 studies grouped outcomes by mRS 0-2 and 3-5. Among these 9 studies, the range of QALY score reported for mRS 0-2 was 0.71-0.85 QALY, and that of mRS 3-5 was 0.21-0.40.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals significant heterogeneity in previously published thrombectomy CEAs, highlighting need for better standardization in future CEAs.

KEY POINTS

• All included studies concluded thrombectomy to be cost-effective, from both long- and short-term perspectives. • Only 5 out of 22 studies undertook a societal perspective, and only 1 accounted for indirect costs. • The range of value for mRS 0-2 was 0.71-0.85 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and 0.21-0.40 QALY for mRS 3-5.

Cost-effective analysis of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with poor baseline modified Rankin Score (mRS)

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been established as a standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke for the past five years. However, the direct benefits of this treatment in patients with baseline disability remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the cost impact of performing MT on patients with moderate-to-severe baseline disability to work towards an optimized system of care for acute ischemic stroke. We developed a Markov economic model with a life-time horizon analysis of costs associated with mechanical thrombectomy in patients grouped on baseline disability as defined by modified Rankin Score. Our clinical and economic data is based on an American payer perspective. Our results identified a marginal cost-effective ratio (mCER) of $18,835.00 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) when mechanical thrombectomy is reserved as a treatment only for patients with no-to-minimal baseline disability as compared to those with any level of baseline disability. Our results provide a framework for these future studies and highlight key sectors that drive cost in the surgical treatment and life-long care of patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Thrombectomy is a cost-saving procedure up to 24 h after onset

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

The treatment of ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion has been revolutionized by mechanical thrombectomy (MT), as multiple trials have consistently shown improved functional outcomes compared to standard medical management both in the early and late time windows after symptom onset. However, MT is an interventional procedure that is more costly than best supportive care (BSC).

METHODS

We set out to study the cost-utility and budget impact of MT + BSC versus BSC alone for large-vessel occlusion using a combined decision tree and Markov model. The analysis was conducted from a Belgian payer perspective over a lifetime horizon, and health states were defined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The treatment effect of MT + BSC combined clinical outcomes from all published early and late treatment window studies showing improved mRS after 90 days. Resource use and utilities were informed by an observational Belgian study of 569 stroke patients. Long-term mRS transitions were sourced from the Oxford Vascular study.

RESULTS

MT + BSC generated 1.31 additional quality-adjusted life years and resulted in cost savings of €10,216 per patient over lifetime. Deterministic sensitivity analyses demonstrated dominance of MT over a wide range of parameter inputs. In a Belgian setting, adding MT to BSC within an early time window for 1575 eligible stroke patients every year produced cost savings between €6.3 million (year 1) and €14.6 million (year 5), or a total cost saving of €56.2 million over 5 years.

CONCLUSION

Mechanical thrombectomy is a highly cost-effective treatment for ischemic stroke patients, providing quality-adjusted survival at lower health care cost, both when given in an early time window, as well as in a late time window.

Cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in Brazil: Results from the RESILIENT trial

BACKGROUND

The RESILIENT trial demonstrated the clinical benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in patients presenting acute ischemic stroke secondary to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in Brazil.

AIMS

This economic evaluation aims to assess the cost-utility of mechanical thrombectomy in the RESILIENT trial from a public healthcare perspective.

METHODS

A cost-utility analysis was applied to compare mechanical thrombectomy plus standard medical care (n = 78) vs. standard medical care alone (n = 73), from a subset sample of the RESILIENT trial (151 of 221 patients). Real-world direct costs were considered, and utilities were imputed according to the Utility-Weighted modified Rankin Score. A Markov model was structured, and probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of results.

RESULTS

The incremental costs and quality-adjusted life years gained with mechanical thrombectomy plus standard medical care were estimated at Int$ 7440 and 1.04, respectively, compared to standard medical care alone, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of Int$ 7153 per quality-adjusted life year. The deterministic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that mRS-6 costs of the first year most affected the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. After 1000 simulations, most of results were below the cost-effective threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention's clear long-term benefits offset the initially higher costs of mechanical thrombectomy in the Brazilian public healthcare system. Such therapy is likely to be cost-effective and these results were crucial to incorporate mechanical thrombectomy in the Brazilian public stroke centers.

Is Endovascular Therapy for Stroke Cost-Effective Globally? A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES

Cost-effectiveness of endovascular therapy (EVT) is a key consideration for broad use of this approach for emergent large vessel occlusion stroke. We evaluated the evidence on cost-effectiveness of EVT in comparison with best medical management from a global perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review of studies published between January 2010 and May 2020 evaluated the cost effectiveness of EVT for patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke. The gain in quality adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as cost per QALY resulting from EVT, were recorded. The study setting (country, economic perspective), decision model, and data sources used in economic models of EVT cost-effectiveness were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-five original studies from 12 different countries were included in our review. Five of these studies were reported from a societal perspective; 18 were reported from a healthcare system perspective. Two studies used real-world data. The time horizon varied from 1 year to a lifetime; however, 18 studies reported a time horizon of >10 years. Twenty studies reported using outcome data from randomized, controlled clinical trials for their models. Nineteen studies reported using a Markov model. Incremental QALYs ranged from 0.09-3.5. All studies but 1 reported that EVT was cost-effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from different countries and economic perspectives suggests that EVT for stroke treatment is cost-effective. Most cost-effectiveness studies are based on outcome data from randomized clinical trials. However, there is a need to study the cost-effectiveness of EVT based solely on real-world outcome data.

Cost-Effectiveness of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Treatment of Nonminor Ischemic Stroke Across Europe

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been recommended for the treatment of nonminor ischemic stroke by national and international guidelines, but cost-effectiveness evidence has been generated for only a few countries using heterogeneous evaluation methods. We estimate the cost-effectiveness of MT across 32 European countries.

Optimising patient care in medical radiation services through health economics: an introduction

The role of health economics in optimising patient care in medical radiation clinical settings is of increasing importance in ensuring efficient and effective service delivery. This commentary introduces health economics to medical radiation professionals by outlining the main analysis types utilised, highlighted by examples in the literature. The purpose is to provide an over-arching framework and starting point for incorporating health economics into medical radiation research study protocols.

Economic challenges of using innovative medical devices in major public health pathologies: Example of acute ischemic stroke management by mechanical thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

Activity-based Funding can induce financial imbalances for health institutions if innovative medical devices (MD) used to perform acts are included in Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) tariff. To be reimbursed in addition to the DRG tariff, innovative MD must have received a favorable evaluation by the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de Santé) and be registered on the positive list. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expenses and incomes generated by each scenario (before and after the reimbursement of MD), and the financial reports. This study concerned the management of ischemic stroke by mechanical thrombectomy devices, in high-volume French hospital.

METHODS

All patients who have had an acute ischemic stroke and admitted to the interventional neuroradiology unit between January 2016 and December 2017 were included retrospectively in this monocentric study. They were divided into four subgroups based on the severity of the DRG. The cost study was carried out using the French National Cost Study Methodology adjusted for the duration of the stays and by micro-costing on MD.

RESULTS

A total of 267 patients were included. Over the study period, the average cost of the hospital stay was €10,492±6364 for a refund of €9838±6749 per patient. The acts performed became profitable once the MD were registered on the positive list (€-1017±3551 vs. €560±2671; P<0.05). Despite this reimbursement, this activity remained in deficit for DRG lowest severity (level 1) patients (€-492±1244). Specific MD used for mechanical thrombectomy represented 37% of the total cost of stay.

CONCLUSION

The time required to evaluate MD reimbursement files is too long compared to their development. As a result, practitioners are in difficulty to be able to carry out acts according to the consensual practices of their learned societies, without causing any financial deficit of their institutions.