Cost-effectiveness of pretomanid-based regimen for highly drugresistant TB in a low-burden setting

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical findings reported improvement in the treatment outcomes of highly resistant TB (HDR-TB) with the pretomanid (Pa) based regimen. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Pa-based regimen for HDR-TB treatment from the perspective of the healthcare sector in the United States.METHODS: A lifelong decision-analytic model was constructed to simulate potential treatment outcomes of 1) the bedaquiline-Pa-linezolid (BPaL) regimen, and 2) the bedaquiline-linezolid (B-L) based regimen in a hypothetical cohort of adult patients with HDR-TB. Primary model outputs were TB-related direct medical costs, qualityadjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost per QALY gained (ICER).RESULTS: In the base-case analysis, the BPaL regimen gained 3.0054 QALYs and saved costs by USD60,433 when compared to the B-L-based regimen. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the BPaL regimen gained higher QALYs at a lower cost in 80.3% of the time, and gained higher QALYs at a higher cost with ICER less than the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold (100,000 USD/QALY) in 19.0% of the simulations. The probability of the BPaL regimen being cost-effective was higher than the B-L-based regimen throughout the variation of WTP.CONCLUSION: BPaL therapy is likely the cost-effective option for HDR-TB treatment from the US healthcare sector perspective.

Ultrasound-guided manual vacuum aspiration (USG-MVA) with cervical preparation for early pregnancy loss: A cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Approximately one in four women will experience a miscarriage in their lifetime. Ultrasound-guided manual vacuum aspiration (USG-MVA) is an ideal outpatient surgical treatment alternative to traditional surgical evacuation. We aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of US-MVA with cervical preparation for treatment of early pregnancy loss from the perspective of public healthcare provider of Hong Kong.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model was designed to simulate outcomes in a hypothetical cohort of patients with early pregnancy loss on four interventions: (1) US-MVA, (2) misoprostol, (3) surgical evacuation of uterus by dilation and curettage (surgical evacuation), and (4) expectant care. Model inputs were retrieved from published literature and public data. Model outcome measures were total direct medical cost and disutility-adjusted life-year (DALY). Base-case model results were examined by sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The expected DALYs (0.00141) and total direct medical cost (USD736) of US-MVA were the lowest of all interventions in base-case analysis, and US-MVA was the preferred cost-effective option. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the misoprostol group became less costly than the US-MVA group if the evacuation rate of misoprostol (base-case value 0.832) exceeded 0.920. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, At the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 49630 USD/DALY averted (1x gross domestic product per capita of Hong Kong), the US-MVA was cost-effective in 72.9% of the time.

CONCLUSIONS

US-MVA appeared to be cost-saving and effective for treatment of early pregnancy loss from the perspective of public healthcare provider of Hong Kong.

Comparative Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines for Older Adults in Hong Kong

Two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines (AREXVY® and ABRYSVO®) were recently approved for older adults in the US. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of AREXVY® and ABRYSVO® from the Hong Kong public healthcare provider's perspective. A two-year decision-analytical model was developed to examine the outcomes of a single RSV vaccination (AREXVY® or ABRYSVO®) compared to no vaccination. Primary outcomes included RSV-related health outcomes, direct medical costs, quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) loss, and incremental cost per QALY (ICER). RSV vaccines are not yet marketed in Hong Kong, base-case analysis, therefore, benchmarked US RSV vaccine prices at 4 levels (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). AREXVY® and ABRYSVO® (versus no vaccination) gained 0.000568 QALY and 0.000647 QALY, respectively. ICERs of ABRYSVO® (26,209 USD/QALY) and AREXVY® (47,485 USD/QALY) were lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold (49,594 USD/QALY) at 25% US vaccine price. The RSV attack rate was a common influential factor at all vaccine price levels. The probabilities of AREXVY® and ABRYSVO® to be most cost-effective were 0.10% and 97.68%, respectively, at 25% US vaccine price. Single vaccination of ABRYSVO® or AREXVY® for older adults appears to gain QALYs over 2 years in Hong Kong. The cost-effectiveness of AREXVY® and ABRYSVO® is subject to vaccine price and RSV attack rate.

Web-based intervention for improving influenza vaccination in pregnant women: a cost-effectiveness analysis

A website with vaccine information and interactive social media was reported to improve maternal influenza vaccine uptake. This study aimed to evaluate cost-effectiveness of a web-based intervention on influenza vaccine uptake among pregnant women from the perspective of US healthcare providers. A one-year decision-analytic model estimated outcomes in a hypothetical cohort of pregnant women with: (1) website with vaccine information and interactive social media (intervention group), and (2) usual care (usual care group). Primary measures included influenza infection, influenza-related hospitalization, mortality, direct medical cost, and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) loss. In base-case analysis, intervention group reduced cost (by USD28), infection (by 28 per 1,000 pregnant women), hospitalization (by 1.226 per 1,000 pregnant women), mortality (by 0.0036 per 1,000 pregnant women), and saved 0.000305 QALYs versus usual care group. Relative improvement of vaccine uptake by the intervention and number of pregnant women in the healthcare system were two influential factors identified in deterministic sensitivity analysis. The intervention was cost-effective in 99.5% of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations (at willingness-to-pay threshold 50,000 USD/QALY). A website with vaccine information and interactive social media to promote influenza vaccination for pregnant women appears to reduce direct medical costs and gain QALYs from the perspective of US healthcare providers.

Standard diagnostics with and without urine-based lipoarabinomannan testing for tuberculosis disease in HIV-infected patients in a high-burden setting-A cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent clinical findings reported the reduced mortality associated with treatment guided by sputum-based molecular test with urine-based lipoarabinomannan (LAM) assay for tuberculosis (TB) disease in HIV-infected individuals. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sputum-based Xpert tests with and without urine-based LAM assays among HIV-infected individuals with signs and symptoms of TB disease (TBD) from the perspective of South African healthcare providers.

METHODS

A one-year decision-analytic model was constructed to simulate TB-related outcomes of 7 strategies: Sputum smear microscope (SSM), Xpert, Xpert Ultra, Xpert with AlereLAM, Xpert Ultra with AlereLAM, Xpert with FujiLAM, and Xpert Ultra with FujiLAM, in a hypothetical cohort of adult HIV-infected individuals with signs and symptoms of TB. The model outcomes were TB-related direct medical cost, mortality, early treatment, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and incremental cost per DALY averted (ICER). The model inputs were retrieved from literature and public data. Base-case analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, the Xpert Ultra with FujiLAM strategy showed the highest incidence of early treatment (267.7 per 1000 tested) and lowest mortality (29.0 per 1000 tested), with ICER = 676.9 USD/DALY averted. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations showed the cost-effective probability of Xpert Ultra with FujiLAM was the highest of all 7 strategies at the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold >202USD/DALY averted.

CONCLUSION

Standard sputum-based TB diagnostic Xpert Ultra with urine-based FujiLAM for TBD testing in HIV-infected individuals appears to be the preferred cost-effective strategy from the perspective of the health service provider of South Africa.

Fecal microbiota transplantation for patients with active ulcerative colitis: A cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Growing studies have demonstrated clinical benefits of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) therapy (administered by colonoscopy, enema, or both) for active ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of standard treatment with and without FMT therapy for mild-to-moderate active UC from the perspective of US healthcare provider.

METHODS

A 10-year Markov model was developed to evaluate the costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of standard treatment plus FMT therapy versus standard treatment alone. Model inputs were retrieved from publish data in literature. Base-case and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, standard treatment plus FMT therapy was more effective than standard treatment alone (by 0.068 QALYs). Comparing to standard treatment alone, standard treatment plus FMT therapy varied from cost-saving to incremental cost, subject to the number of FMT administrations. One-way sensitivity analysis identified the relative risk of achieving remission with FMT therapy to be the most influential factor on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of standard treatment plus FMT therapy. Monte-Carlo simulations showed that standard treatment plus FMT therapy with 3 and 6 administrations per FMT course was cost-effective (at willingness-to-pay threshold = 50 000 USD/QALY) in 90.77% and 67.03% of time, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard treatment plus FMT therapy appears to be more effective in gaining higher QALYs than standard therapy alone for patients with mild-to-moderate active UC. Cost-effectiveness of standard treatment plus FMT therapy is highly subject to the relative improvement in achieving remission with standard therapy plus FMT therapy and number of FMT administrations per FMT course.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of carbetocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in a low-burden high-resource city of China

BACKGROUND

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity, and oxytocin is the first-line uterotonic agent for PPH prevention. Clinical findings have reported carbetocin to reduce PPH risk without increasing risk of important side effects. Hong Kong is a low PPH burden and high-resource city in China. We aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of PPH prevention with carbetocin from the perspective of Hong Kong public healthcare provider.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model was developed to simulate clinical and economic outcomes of carbetocin and oxytocin for PPH prevention in a hypothetical cohort of women at the third stage of labor following vaginal birth or Caesarean section (C-section). The model inputs were retrieved from literature and public data. Base-case analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed. The model time horizon was the postpartum hospitalization period. Primary model outcomes included PPH-related direct medical cost, PPH, hysterectomy, maternal death, and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) loss.

RESULTS

In base-case analysis, carbetocin (versus oxytocin) reduced PPH-related cost (by USD29 per birth), PPH ≥500 mL and ≥1,500 mL (by 13.7 and 1.9 per 1,000 births), hysterectomy (by 0.15 per 1,000 births), maternal death (by 0.02 per 1,000 births), and saved 0.00059 QALY per birth. Relative risk of PPH ≥500 mL with carbetocin versus oxytocin, and proportion of child births by C-section were two influential parameters identified in deterministic sensitivity analysis. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, carbetocin was accepted as cost-effective in >99.7% of the 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations at a willingness-to-pay threshold of zero USD/QALY.

CONCLUSION

PPH prevention with carbetocin appeared to reduce major unfavorable outcomes, and save cost and QALYs.

Cost effectiveness analysis of single and sequential testing strategies for tuberculosis infection in adults living with HIV in the United States

Tuberculosis infection (TBI) frequently progresses to tuberculosis (TB) disease in people co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We examined the cost-effectiveness of single, sequential and no testing (total 12) strategies of TBI in HIV-infected people from the perspective of US healthcare provider. A decision-analytic model (20-year timeframe) was constructed to simulate TB-related outcomes: Direct medical cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). In the base-case analysis, the "confirm negative TST followed by QFT-Plus" strategy gained 0.1170 QALY at a total cost of USD3377. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, the probability of "confirm negative TST followed by QFT-Plus" to be accepted as cost-effective was the highest of all 12 strategies when the willingness-to-pay threshold exceeded 2340 USD/QALY. In conclusion, the strategy of "confirm negative TST followed by QFT-Plus" appears to be the preferred cost-effective option for TBI testing in HIV-infected people from the US healthcare provider's perspective.

Information technology-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to systematically review the efficacy of information technology-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) versus face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy (FCBT) for management of anxiety and depression in adult patients.

METHODS

Systematic literature search for clinical trials comparing ICBT to FCBT in adults diagnosed with anxiety or depression was conducted. Quantitative analyses were performed to examine the efficacy of ICBT versus FCBT. Primacy outcome was change in symptom severity.

RESULTS

A total of 11 publications (10 studies and 896 participants) were included. The pooled effect size of ICBT versus FCBT did not find significant difference for post-treatment anxiety or depressive symptoms severity (Hedges' g = -0.07; 95% CI = -0.20 to 0.06), and ICBT was non-inferior to FCBT (at Cohen's d = 0.3). Maintenance of treatment efficacy also showed no significant difference between ICBT and FCBT at 6 months (g = -0.14, 95% CI = -0.42 to 0.14) and 12 months (g = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.41 to 0.32) post-treatment. Adherence rate was lower in ICBT than FCBT but did not achieve statistically significance (61% vs 88%; RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74 to1.00). Results were not affected by study quality.

LIMITATIONS

The examination of study heterogeneity was limited by the small number of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

We found non-inferior performance of ICBT versus FCBT in reducing symptoms in patients diagnosed of anxiety or depressive disorders. With the social-distancing measures amid COVID-19 pandemic, service providers should give serious consideration with great caution in the decision-making process of offering ICBT to patients.

Telemonitoring for patients with inflammatory bowel disease amid the COVID-19 pandemic—A cost-effectiveness analysis

Background and aim

COVID-19 pandemic burdens the healthcare systems, causes healthcare avoidance, and might worsen the outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. We aimed to estimate the impact of pandemic-related avoidance on outpatient IBD management, and the cost-effectiveness of adding telemonitoring during pandemic from the perspective of Hong Kong public healthcare provider.

Methods

The study was performed by a decision-analytic model to estimate the quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and cost of care for IBD patients before and during the pandemic, and to compare the cost and QALYs of adding telemonitoring to standard care (SC-TM) versus standard care alone (SC) for IBD patients during the pandemic. The sources of model inputs included publications (retrieved from literature search) and public data. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the robustness of base-case results.

Results

Standard care with pandemic-related avoidance (versus without avoidance) lost 0.0026 QALYs at higher cost (by USD43). The 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations found standard care with pandemic-related avoidance lost QALYs and incurred higher cost in 100% and 96.82% of the time, respectively. Compared with the SC group, the SC-TM group saved 0.0248 QALYs and reduced cost by USD799. Monte Carlo simulations showed the SC-TM group gained higher QALYs at lower cost in 100% of 10,000 simulations.

Conclusions

Standard care for IBD patients during pandemic with healthcare avoidance appears to worsen treatment outcomes at higher cost and lowered QALYs. The addition of telemonitoring to standard care seems to gain higher QALYs and reduce cost, and is therefore a potential cost-effective strategy for IBD management during the pandemic.

Cost-effectiveness of video-observed therapy for ambulatory management of active tuberculosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in a high-income country

OBJECTIVE

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused suspension of directly observed therapy (DOT) for patients with active tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to estimate the outcomes of pandemic-related DOT suspension and the cost-effectiveness of video-observed therapy (VOT) during the pandemic.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model was constructed to project outcomes of adult patients with active TB from the perspective of a US healthcare provider. Two model-based analyses were conducted: (1) before (with DOT) and during [with self-administered therapy (SAT)] the pandemic; and (2) VOT vs SAT during the pandemic. The primary outcome measures were direct medical costs and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, care during the pandemic (with SAT) increased the cost (by US$285 per patient) and DALYs (by 0.2155 per patient) in comparison with DOT. Care with VOT reduced DALYs (by 0.4870) and costs (by US$1797) in comparison with SAT. On probabilistic sensitivity analysis, care during the pandemic (with SAT) increased DALYs in 100% of 10,000 simulations, and increased costs in 55.52% of instances. Care with VOT reduced DALYs and costs in 99.7% and 68.79% of instances, respectively. The probability of VOT being cost-effective was 99.4% at the willingness-to-pay threshold of 50,000 US$/DALY.

CONCLUSION

Suspension of DOT during the COVID-19 pandemic worsened treatment outcomes. VOT was found to be a cost-effective option for active TB care in an outpatient setting.

WITHDRAWN: Pretomanid for the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Evidence on the development and clinical roles

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Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring of adalimumab for pediatric Crohn's disease patients: A cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Recent clinical findings showed proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of adalimumab (ADL) to improve sustained remission rate in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The present study aimed to evaluate the potential cost-effectiveness of proactive versus reactive TDM of ADL in pediatric patients with CD from the perspective of the US health-care provider.

METHODS

A Markov model was constructed to estimate outcomes of proactive versus reactive TDM of ADL in a hypothetical cohort of pediatric CD patients who were in remission on ADL maintenance treatment. Model inputs were derived from published literature and public data. Model outcomes included CD-related direct medical cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of base-case results.

RESULTS

When compared with the reactive TDM group, the proactive TDM group saved 0.1960 QALYs at lower cost by USD2021 over a 3-year time frame in base-case analysis. One-way sensitivity analysis showed the ADL drug cost to be the most influential factor. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of 10 000 Monte-Carlo simulations found the proactive TDM group to gain 0.1958 QALYs (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1950-0.1966; P < 0.001) and save USD2037 (95%CI USD1943-2131; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Proactive TDM for ADL seems to gain higher QALYs at lower cost in pediatric CD patients.

The pharmacotherapeutic management of pulmonary tuberculosis: an update of the state-of-the-art

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains an important global health challenge of the 21st century, and the emerging resistance against anti-TB drugs is still a growing concern. And while there was a significant cumulative reduction in the incidence of TB between 2015 and 2019, 2.8% of all TB cases in 2019 were reported to be drug resistant.

AREA COVERED

This review provides the reader with an update on pharmacotherapy for patients with TB susceptible or resistant to drug therapy. The authors also include promising investigational drugs herein. Finally, the authors share with the reader their expert opinions on the current state of the art and their future perspectives.

EXPERT OPINION

The current pharmacotherapeutic management aims to enhance favorable treatment outcomes and reduce treatment-related adverse events. One approach is to use shorter and all-oral regimens for eligible patients. Traditional longer regimens for most patients are also optimized to lower incidence of treatment failure and serious adverse events.

A systematic review of pharmacoeconomic evaluations on oral diarylquinoline-based treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis: from high to low burden countries

Introduction: There is a rising global interest in the pharmacoeconomic evaluations of bedaquiline (BDQ), a novel oral diarylquinoline, for treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB).Areas covered: This article systematically reviewed publications retrieved from Medline, American Psychological Association-Psychology information, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Science direct, Center for Reviews and Dissemination, and CINAHL Complete during 2010-2020 on pharmacoeconomic studies on BDQ for DR-TB treatment. Ten Markov model-based cost-effectiveness analyses identified were conducted in high (n = 4), intermediate (n = 2), and low (n = 4) TB burden countries.Expert opinion: The paucity of model-based health economic analyses on BDQ-containing regimens for DR-TB indicated that further pharmacoeconomic research of BDQ-based regimens, on the aspects of duration of BDQ treatment, types of DR-TB indicated, and settings of regions and health-systems, is highly warranted to inform global cost-effective use of BDQ-based regimens for DR-TB treatment.

EGFR mutation-guided use of afatinib, erlotinib and gefitinib for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Hong Kong - A cost-effectiveness analysis

Introduction

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy targets at epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to compare the EGFR mutation-guided target therapy versus empirical chemotherapy for first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC in the public healthcare setting of Hong Kong.

Methods

A Markov model was designed to simulate outcomes of a hypothetical cohort of advanced (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC adult patients with un-tested EGFR-sensitizing mutation status. Four treatment strategies were evaluated: Empirical first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin-pemetrexed (empirical chemotherapy group), and EGFR mutation-guided use of a TKI (afatinib, erlotinib, and gefitinib). Model outcome measures were direct medical cost, progression-free survival, overall survival, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Incremental cost per QALY gained (ICER) was estimated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine robustness of model results.

Results

Empirical chemotherapy and EGFR mutation-guided gefitinib gained lower QALYs at higher costs than the erlotinib group. Comparing with EGFR mutation-guided erlotinib, the afatinib strategy gained additional QALYs with ICER (540,633 USD/QALY). In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations for probabilistic sensitivity analysis, EGFR mutation-guided afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib and empirical chemotherapy were preferred strategy in 0%, 98%, 0% and 2% of time at willingness-to-pay (WTP) 47,812 USD/QALY (1x gross domestic product (GDP) per capita), and in 30%, 68%, 2% and 0% of time at WTP 143,436 USD/QALY (3x GDP per capita), respectively.

Conclusions

EGFR mutation-guided erlotinib appears to be the cost-effective strategy from the perspective of Hong Kong public healthcare provider over a broad range of WTP.

A Systematic Review on Cost-effectiveness Analyses of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Immunosuppressive to Anti-TNF Therapy

BACKGROUND

There is a growing body of primary evidence on the cost-effectiveness of applying therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management with various drug therapies and strategies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on model-based cost-effectiveness analyses of applying TDM for IBD management.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted (up to October 2019) in Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Studies published in the English language that met inclusion criteria were included: (1) patients with IBD, (2) TDM-based treatment was compared with a comparator, (3) types of analysis were cost-benefit, cost-consequence, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, or cost analysis, and (4) analyses conducted by model-based evaluation. The study quality was assessed using Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards.

RESULTS

Six studies on drug monitoring for IBD patients (1 azathioprine and 5 infliximab) published in 2005 to 2019 were included. All studies targeted on patients with Crohn's disease and reported TDM strategies to save cost when comparing with standard care. Four analyses evaluated both economic and clinical outcomes. Three analyses found the TDM strategies (for treatment initiation, advancement of therapy, or proactive monitoring) to improve clinical outcomes. One study found TDM strategies (reflex testing and concurrent testing) to gain lower quality-adjusted life years than standard care. Four of six (66.7%) studies achieved good to excellent rankings in quality assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with standard treatment without TDM, the TDM-guided strategies were consistently found to be cost-saving or cost-effective.

Impact of COVID-19 infection control measures on influenza-related outcomes in Hong Kong

Following the announcement of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Wuhan on 31 December 2019, government officials in Hong Kong recommended the wearing of face masks as a public infection control measure against the COVID-19 virus and curtail the impact of the concurrent influenza season. The present study evaluated the influenza-related outcomes between the influenza season 2019 and 2020 in Hong Kong as a result of these infection control measures. A Monte Carlo simulation model was designed to estimate the number of influenza cases, clinic visits, hospitalization, deaths, direct medical cost and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for the season 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 in six age groups: 0-5 years, 6-11 years, 12-17 years, 18-49 years, 50-64 years and ≥65 years in Hong Kong. Model inputs were derived from public data and existing literature. The model findings showed significant reduction in influenza-related cases, clinic visits, hospitalization, and deaths in 2020 versus 2019 (p < 0.05). Influenza-related direct costs in all age-groups were significantly reduced by 56%-82% (p < 0.01) in 2020 versus 2019. DALYs were also significantly decreased by 58%-85% (p < 0.01). The direct cost and DALYs avoided in 2020 was the highest among the age group of 0-5 years with a cost-saving of USD593,763 (95%CI 590,730-596,796) per 10,000 population and a DALY reduction of 57.67 (95%CI 57.54-57.83) per 10,000 population. This study illustrated the reduction of all influenza-related outcome measures in Hong Kong as a result of the implementation of public infection control measures against COVID-19.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at risk for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (RCDI). We aimed to evaluate the potential health economic and clinical outcomes of four strategies for management of RCDI in IBD patients from the perspective of public health-care provider in Hong Kong.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model was designed to simulate outcomes of adult IBD patients with first RCDI treated with vancomycin, vancomycin plus bezlotoxumab, fidaxomicin and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Model inputs were derived from literature and public data. Primary model outcomes were C. difficile infection (CDI)-related direct medical cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) loss. Base-case and sensitivity analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Comparing to vancomycin, fidaxomicin and vancomycin plus bezlotoxumab, FMT saved 0.00318, 0.00149 and 0.00306 QALYs and reduced cost by USD3180, USD3790 and USD5514, respectively, in base-case analysis. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, FMT was cost-saving when comparing to vancomycin, fidaxomicin and vancomycin plus bezlotoxumab by USD3765 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3732-3798; P < 0.001), USD3854 (95%CI 3827-3883; P < 0.001) and USD6501 (95%CI 6465-6,536; P < 0.001), respectively. The QALYs saved by FMT (vs vancomycin) were 0.00386 QALYs (95%CI 0.00384-0.00388; P < 0.001), (vs fidaxomicin) 0.00179 QALYs (95%CI 0.00177-0.00180; P < 0.001) and (vs vancomycin plus bezlotoxumab) 0.00376 QALYs (95%CI 0.00374-0.00378; P < 0.001). FMT was found to save QALYs at lower cost in 99.3% (vs vancomycin), 99.7% (vs fidaxomicin) and 100.0% (vs vancomycin plus bezlotoxumab) of the 10 000 Monte Carlo simulations.

CONCLUSIONS

FMT for IBD patients with RCDI appeared to save both direct medical cost and QALYs when comparing to vancomycin (with or without bezlotoxumab) and fidaxomicin.

Health Economic Analysis of Rivaroxaban and Warfarin for Venous Thromboembolism Management in Chinese Patients

PURPOSE

Rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, has demonstrated non-inferiority to warfarin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment in clinical trials. This study aimed to analyze the direct medical costs for VTE management with rivaroxaban versus warfarin in Hong Kong Chinese patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, VTE patients admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital from March 2012 to February 2017 who were initiated and discharged with either rivaroxaban or warfarin were included. Patient demographic and clinical data, and healthcare resource utilization for VTE management were collected for the VTE index admission and 1-year post-discharge period.

RESULTS

A total of 181 patients (90 in the rivaroxaban group; 91 in the warfarin group) were included. The mean (± SD) length of stay (LOS) was 4.8 ± 2.7 days and 8.0 ± 3.0 days in the rivaroxaban and warfarin groups, respectively (p > 0.001). The total cost for VTE index admission in the rivaroxaban group was significantly lower than that of the warfarin group (USD 5473 ± 1914 versus USD 3457 ± 1796; p < 0.001) (USD 1 = HKD 7.8). Recurrent VTE and bleeding rates in 1-year post-discharge period were not significantly different between the two groups. The direct total cost of the rivaroxaban group (USD 1271 ± 767) was significantly lower than that of the warfarin group (USD 1739 ± 1045) in 1-year post-discharge period (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Total direct cost and LOS for VTE admission and total cost in 1-year post-discharge period were significantly lower in patients initiated and discharged with rivaroxaban than those of warfarin.

Standing orders program of pneumococcal vaccination for hospitalized elderly patients in Hong Kong: A cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical studies support a standing orders program (SOP) to improve vaccine uptake. We aimed to examine the potential cost-effectiveness of a pneumococcal vaccination SOP for Hong Kong elderly in a hospital setting.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model was designed to compare the outcomes of inpatients 65 years of age or older who were eligible for pneumococcal vaccination. Two vaccination approaches were evaluated: (1) vaccination SOP, and (2) no program (control group). Outcome measures included direct medical costs, invasive pneumococcal disease-associated mortality rates, quality-adjusted life year (QALY) losses, and incremental cost per QALY saved (ICER).

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, mortality and QALY losses were lower and costs were higher in the SOP group when compared to the control group. The base-case ICER of the SOP group was $59,762 (all dollar amounts are in US$) per QALY saved. One-way sensitivity analyses found ICER to be sensitive to the probability of invasive pneumococcal disease among the unvaccinated elderly. Using 1× the gross domestic product per capita of Hong Kong ($43,497) and the United States ($150,000) as willingness-to-pay thresholds, SOPs were the preferred option in 37.2% and 97.5% of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The pneumococcal vaccination SOP for hospitalized elderly patients appeared to reduce QALY losses at a higher cost. The cost-effective acceptance of SOPs is highly dependent on the willingness-to-pay threshold.

Antibiotic management of acute pharyngitis in primary care

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has convened the Advisory Group on Antibiotic Stewardship Programme in Primary Care (the Advisory Group) to formulate guidance notes and strategies for optimising judicious use of antibiotics and enhancing the Antibiotic Stewardship Programme in Primary Care. Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common conditions among out-patients in primary care in Hong Kong. Practical recommendations on the diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of acute streptococcal pharyngitis are made by the Advisory Group based on the best available clinical evidence, local prevalence of pathogens and associated antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and common local practice.

Optimal gender-specific age for cost-effective vaccination with adjuvanted herpes zoster subunit vaccine in Chinese adults

Background

Adjuvanted herpes zoster (HZ) subunit (HZ/su) vaccine is recommended for healthy adults aged ≥50 years, yet vaccine efficacy is expected to wane over time. Age-sex specific cost-effectiveness analyses of HZ/su vaccine are warranted to inform decision-making on vaccine policy. We aimed to determine the optimal gender-specific age for cost-effective HZ/su vaccination in Hong Kong.

Methods

A Markov model was used to compare outcomes with and without HZ/su in healthy males and females at age 50–80 years. Model outcome measures were total cost, HZ cases, and HZ-associated quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) loss. Incremental cost per QALY saved (ICER) by HZ/su was estimated for each age-sex group. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine robustness of model results.

Results

HZ/su reduced incidence of HZ in both males and females aged 50–80 years and the numbers needed to vaccinate to avoid one HZ case were lowest at age 60 years for males (6.05) and females (5.50). The highest QALY-saved occurred in females (0.00396 QALYs) and males (0.00379 QALYs) who were vaccinated at 60 years old. The ICERs were lowest at age 60–70 years for both genders. Using 1× gross domestic product per capita of Hong Kong (USD46,153) as willingness-to-pay threshold, HZ/su vaccine was accepted to be cost-effective for all female and male age groups at vaccine cost = USD160, for female aged 50–79 years and male aged 54–74 years at vaccine cost = USD200, and for female aged 59–71 years at vaccine cost = USD240.

Conclusions

HZ/su vaccine is more likely to be cost-effective for males and females aged between 60–70 years than the extreme age groups (less than 60 years and older than 70 years) in Hong Kong. The age range for cost-effective acceptance of HZ/su vaccine appears to be broader in females than males given the same vaccine cost and willingness-to-pay threshold.

Influenza vaccine coverage and predictive factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake among pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Despite recommendations from health care authorities, reports of severe influenza occur yearly among unvaccinated infants and children.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated influenza vaccine coverage and predictive factors for vaccination status among pediatric patients during the 2016-2017 winter influenza season.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of our study population identified through a major pediatric outpatient clinic in Hong Kong. Parents with a child aged 6 months to 17 years were invited to complete a questionnaire that assessed the current influenza vaccine status of the child and the parents' understanding and beliefs regarding influenza and its vaccine. A backward logistic regression was conducted to determine predictive factors and adjusted odds ratios associated with influenza vaccine uptake.

RESULTS

Our study included 348 parents and 405 pediatric patients. Of these, 142 pediatric patients (35.1%) received full vaccination. Predictive factors associated with the child's positive influenza vaccine status include a "very good" parental understanding of influenza and its vaccine (adjusted odds ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval,  2.1-21.5), a child with chronic medical condition and a "high" cue to action (adjusted odds ratio, 5.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.8-11.6), and a "high" perceived susceptibility toward influenza (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-10.8).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reflects the low influenza vaccine coverage among pediatric patients. Interventions focusing on parental knowledge and understanding of influenza and its vaccine may improve future vaccine uptake among the pediatric population.

Cost-effectiveness of two models of management for patients on chronic warfarin therapy – a Markov model analysis

Allocation of additional resources for establishing or expanding anticoagulation clinic (AC) services is a significant concern for healthcare decision-makers when the payer is also the provider of the healthcare system. The majority of anticoagulated patients in Hong Kong are managed by routine medical care (RMC) instead of ACs, possibly due to the lack of local cost-effectiveness analysis of the AC setting. The aim was to compare the clinical and economic outcomes of anticoagulated patients who were managed by AC or RMC from the perspective of a public health organization in Hong Kong. A Markov model was designed to simulate, over 10 years, the economic and clinical outcomes of patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy managed by AC or RMC. The transition probabilities were derived from literature. Resource utilization was retrieved from patients managed by AC and RMC in Hong Kong. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the robustness of the model. The total number of events per 100 patient-years and the direct medical cost per patient-year in the AC and RMC groups were 9.5 and USD 840, and, 19.3 and USD 1,179, respectively. The results of the model were sensitive to the variation of the probability of major bleeding in the AC group. In conclusion, the coordinated care provided by an anticoagulation clinic appears to be more cost-effective than routine medical care in the management of warfarin therapy from the perspective of public health organization in Hong Kong.

The potential clinical and economic outcomes of pharmacogenetics-oriented management of warfarin therapy – a decision analysis

Variant cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 genotypes are associated with low maintenance dose requirement of warfarin therapy and increased risk of major bleeding events. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential clinical and economic outcomes of using CYP2C9 genotype data to guide the management of anticoagulation therapy and to identify influential factors affecting the cost-effectiveness of this treatment scheme. A decision tree was designed to simulate, over 12 months, the clinical and economic outcomes of patients newly started on warfarin associated with two alternatives: (1) no genotyping (non-genotyped group) and (2) CYP2C9 genotyping prior to initiation of warfarin therapy (genotyped group). Nongenotyped group patients would receive standard care of an anticoagulation clinic (AC). In the genotyped group, patients with at least one variant CYP2C9 allele would receive intensified anticoagulation service. Most of the clinical probabilities were derived from literature. The direct medical costs were estimated from the Diagnosis-Related Group charges and from literature. The total number of events and the direct medical cost per 100 patient-years in the genotyped and non-genotyped groups were 9.58 and USD155,700, and, 10.48 and USD 150,500, respectively. The marginal cost per additional major bleeding averted in the genotyped group was USD 5,778. The model was sensitive to the variation of the cost and reduction of bleeding rate in the intensified anticoagulation service. In conclusion, the pharmacogenetics-oriented management of warfarin therapy is potentially more effective in preventing bleeding with a marginal cost. The cost-effectiveness of this treatment scheme depends on the relative cost and effectiveness of a pharmacogenetics-oriented intensified anticoagulation service comparing to the standard AC care.

Disease Burden, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infection in Hong Kong

We aimed to describe disease burden, characteristics, and outcomes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infection (BSI) in Hong Kong. A retrospective, observational study was conducted in 26 Hong Kong public hospitals between January 2010 and December 2012. The primary outcome measures were 30-day mortality rate and infection-related hospital cost. Of 1133 patients reviewed, 727 (64.17%) were male, 1075 (94.88%) had health care-associated community-onset and 44 (3.88%) had hospital-onset MRSA infection. The mean age of patients was 76 (SD = 15) years, including 172 (15.18%) aged 20 to 59 years and 961 (84.8%) aged ≥60 years. The annual incidence rates in age groups of 20 to 59 years and ≥60 years were 0.96 to 1.148 per 100 000 and 22.7 to 24.8 per 100 000, respectively. The 30-day mortality was 367 (32.39%). Older patients (>79 years), chronic lung disease, and prior hospitalization were associated with increased mortality. The mean cost was US$10 565 (SD = 11 649; US$1 = HK$7.8). MRSA BSI was a significant burden in Hong Kong.

Cost-effectiveness of molecular point-of-care testing for influenza viruses in elderly patients at ambulatory care setting

Background

Early initiation of antiviral therapy in elderly patients with influenza is associated with reduced risk of extra clinic visit, hospitalization and death. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of molecular POCT for detection of influenza viruses in Hong Kong elderly patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) in the outpatient clinics.

Methods

A decision analytic model was used to simulate outcomes of a hypothetical cohort of elderly patients presented with ILI at outpatient clinics during peak season of influenza with two diagnostic approaches: Rapid molecular assay (POCT-PCR group) and clinical judgement with no POCT. Outcome measures included influenza-associated direct medical cost, hospitalization and mortality rates, quality-adjusted life year loss (QALY loss), and incremental cost per QALY saved (ICER).

Results

In base-case analysis, POCT-PCR group was expected to reduce hospitalization (1.38% versus 2.85%) and mortality rate (0.08% versus 0.16%) and save 0.00112 QALYs at higher cost (by USD33.2 per ILI patient), comparing with clinical judgement group. The ICER of POCT-PCR was 29,582 USD/QALY saved. One-way sensitivity analyses found ICER sensitive to: Hospitalization rate without prompt antiviral therapy; odds ratio of hospitalization with prompt therapy; influenza prevalence; patient age and mortality rate of hospitalized patients. POCT-PCR was cost-effective in 60.6% and 99.4% of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations at willingness-to-pay threshold of 1x and 3x gross domestic product per capita of Hong Kong, respectively.

Conclusions

Molecular POCT for influenza detection in elderly patients with ILI at outpatient clinics during peak influenza season appeared to be cost-effective in Hong Kong.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of 30-month vs 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin after drug-eluting stents in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Continuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) beyond 1 year reduces late stent thrombosis and ischemic events after drug-eluting stents (DES) but increases risk of bleeding. We hypothesized that extending DAPT from 12 months to 30 months in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after DES is cost-effective. A lifelong decision-analytic model was designed to simulate 2 antiplatelet strategies in event-free ACS patients who had completed 12-month DAPT after DES: aspirin monotherapy (75-162 mg daily) and continuation of DAPT (clopidogrel 75 mg daily plus aspirin 75-162 mg daily) for 18 months. Clinical event rates, direct medical costs, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained were the primary outcomes from the US healthcare provider perspective. Base-case results showed DAPT continuation gained higher QALYs (8.1769 vs 8.1582 QALYs) at lower cost (USD42 982 vs USD44 063). One-way sensitivity analysis found that base-case QALYs were sensitive to odds ratio (OR) of cardiovascular death with DAPT continuation and base-case cost was sensitive to OR of nonfatal stroke with DAPT continuation. DAPT continuation remained cost-effective when the ORs of nonfatal stroke and cardiovascular death were below 1.241 and 1.188, respectively. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, DAPT continuation was the preferred strategy in 74.75% of 10 000 Monte Carlo simulations at willingness-to-pay threshold of 50 000 USD/QALYs. Continuation of DAPT appears to be cost-effective in ACS patients who were event-free for 12-month DAPT after DES. The cost-effectiveness of DAPT for 30 months was highly subject to the OR of nonfatal stroke and OR of death with DAPT continuation.

CYP2C19 LOF and GOF-Guided Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of CYP2C19 loss-of-function and gain-of-function allele guided (LOF/GOF-guided) antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

A life-long decision-analytic model was designed to simulate outcomes of three strategies: universal clopidogrel (75 mg daily), universal alternative P2Y₁₂ inhibitor (prasugrel 10 mg daily or ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily), and LOF/GOF-guided therapy (LOF/GOF allele carriers receiving alternative P2Y₁₂ inhibitor, wild-type patients receiving clopidogrel). Model outcomes included clinical event rates, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and direct medical costs from perspective of US healthcare provider.

RESULTS

Base-case analysis found nonfatal myocardial infarction (5.62%) and stent thrombosis (1.2%) to be the lowest in universal alternative P2Y₁₂ inhibitor arm, whereas nonfatal stroke (0.72%), cardiovascular death (2.42%), and major bleeding (2.73%) were lowest in LOF/GOF-guided group. LOF/GOF-guided arm gained the highest QALYs (7.5301 QALYs) at lowest life-long cost (USD 76,450). One-way sensitivity analysis showed base-case results were subject to the hazard ratio of cardiovascular death in carriers versus non-carriers of LOF allele and hazard ratio of cardiovascular death in non-carriers of LOF allele versus general patients. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, LOF/GOF-guided therapy, universal alternative P2Y₁₂ inhibitor, and universal clopidogrel were the preferred strategy (willingness-to-pay threshold = 50,000 USD/QALY) in 99.07%, 0.04%, and 0.89% of time, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Using both CYP2C19 GOF and LOF alleles to select antiplatelet therapy appears to be the preferred antiplatelet strategy over universal clopidogrel and universal alternative P2Y₁₂ inhibitor therapy for ACS patients with PCI.

Potential Cost-Effectiveness of an Influenza Vaccination Program Offering Microneedle Patch for Vaccine Delivery in Children

Objective

The influenza vaccine coverage rate of children is low in Hong Kong. Microneedle patches (MNPs) is a technology under development for painless delivery of vaccines. This study aimed to examine the potential clinical outcomes and direct medical costs of an influenza program offering MNP vaccine to children who have declined intramuscular (IM) vaccine in Hong Kong.

Methods

A decision model was designed to compare potential outcomes between IM vaccine program and a program offering MNP vaccine to those declined IM vaccine (IM/MNP program) in a hypothetical cohort of children over one-year time horizon. The model outcomes included direct medical cost, influenza infection rate, mortality rate, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) loss. Model inputs were retrieved from published literature. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of model results.

Results

In base-case analysis, IM/MNP program was more costly per child (USD19.13 versus USD13.69; USD1 = HKD7.8) with lower influenza infection rate (98.9 versus 124.8 per 1,000 children), hospitalization rate (0.83 versus 1.05 per 1,000 children) and influenza-related mortality rate (0.00042 versus 0.00052 per 1,000 children) when compared to IM program. The incremental cost per QALY saved (ICER) of IM/MNP program versus IM program was 27,200 USD/QALY. Using gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Hong Kong (USD40,594) as threshold of willingness-to-pay (WTP) per QALY, one-way sensitivity analysis found ICER of IM/MNP to exceed WTP when duration of illness in outpatient setting was <5.7 days or cost per MNP vaccine was >1.39-time of IM vaccine cost. In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, IM/MNP program was the preferred option in 57.28% and 91.68% of the time, using 1x and 3x GDP per capita as WTP threshold, respectively.

Conclusion

Acceptance of IM/MNP program as the preferred program was subject to the WTP threshold, duration of illness in outpatient settings, and cost of MNP vaccine.

Cost-effectiveness of an influenza vaccination program offering intramuscular and intradermal vaccines versus intramuscular vaccine alone for elderly

BACKGROUND

Intradermal (ID) injection is an alternative route for influenza vaccine administration in elderly with potential improvement of vaccine coverage. This study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of an influenza vaccination program offering ID vaccine to elderly who had declined intramuscular (IM) vaccine from the perspective of Hong Kong public healthcare provider.

METHODS

A decision analytic model was used to simulate outcomes of two programs: IM vaccine alone (IM program), and IM or ID vaccine (IM/ID program) in a hypothetic cohort of elderly aged 65 years. Outcome measures included influenza-related direct medical cost, infection rate, mortality rate, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) loss, and incremental cost per QALY saved (ICER). Model inputs were derived from literature. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impact of uncertainty of model variables.

RESULTS

In base-case analysis, the IM/ID program was more costly (USD52.82 versus USD47.59 per individual to whom vaccine was offered) with lower influenza infection rate (8.71% versus 9.65%), mortality rate (0.021% versus 0.024%) and QALYs loss (0.00336 versus 0.00372) than the IM program. ICER of IM/ID program was USD14,528 per QALY saved. One-way sensitivity analysis found ICER of IM/ID program to exceed willingness-to-pay threshold (USD39,933) when probability of influenza infection in unvaccinated elderly decreased from 10.6% to 5.4%. In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations of elderly populations of Hong Kong, the IM/ID program was the preferred option in 94.7% of time.

CONCLUSIONS

An influenza vaccination program offering ID vaccine to elderly who had declined IM vaccine appears to be a highly cost-effective option.

Cost-effectiveness of quadrivalent influenza vaccine in Hong Kong - A decision analysis

Trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) selects one of the 2 co-circulating influenza B lineages whereas quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) includes both lineages. We examined potential cost-effectiveness of QIV versus TIV from perspectives of healthcare provider and society of Hong Kong. A decision tree was designed to simulate the outcomes of QIV vs. TIV in 6 age groups: 0-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-64 years, 65-79 y and ≥80 years. Direct cost alone, direct and indirect costs, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) loss due to TIV-unmatched influenza B infection were simulated for each study arm. Outcome measure was incremental cost per QALY (ICER). In base-case analysis, QIV was more effective than TIV in all-age population with additional direct cost per QALY (ICER-direct cost) and additional total cost per QALY (ICER-total cost) of USD 22,603 and USD 12,558, respectively. Age-stratified analysis showed that QIV was cost-effective in age groups 6 months to 9 y and ≥80 years from provider's perspective, and it was cost-effective in all age group except 15-64 y from societal perspective. Percentage of TIV-unmatched influenza B in circulation and additional vaccine cost of QIV were key influential factors. From perspectives of healthcare provider and society, QIV was the preferred option in 52.77% and 66.94% of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, respectively. QIV appears to be cost-effective in Hong Kong population, except for age group 15-64 years, from societal perspective. From healthcare provider's perspective, QIV seems to be cost-effective in very young (6 months-9 years) and older (≥80 years) age groups.

Universal versus genotype-guided use of direct oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation patients: a decision analysis

AIM

This study aims to compare clinical and economic outcomes of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotype-guided (PG-DOAC) versus universal use of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

Outcomes of oral anticoagulation therapy were simulated using life-long Markov modeling. In PG-DOAC, patients with genotype of high or low warfarin sensitivity were treated with DOAC, and patients with normal warfarin sensitivity genotype received warfarin.

RESULTS

Expected quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and cost of DOAC were higher than PG-DOAC. Incremental cost per QALY (ICER) of DOAC versus PG-DOAC was 314,129 USD/QALY, exceeding willingness-to-pay threshold (50,000 USD/QALY).

CONCLUSION

Using individual genotype to guide the use of DOAC versus warfarin appears to be the preferred strategy.

Characteristics and outcomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteraemia in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

We compared clinical outcomes between patients with healthcare-associated and community-acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteraemia and identified predictors associated with mortality and high treatment cost in Hong Kong.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with K. pneumoniae bacteraemia in a teaching hospital. Adult patients with K. pneumoniae in blood cultures were included. Demographics and clinical data were retrieved from medical records.

RESULTS

The analysis included 208 patients. The mean age was 68.6 ± 16.8 years. The Pitt bacteraemia score was 2.2 ± 2.8. In all, 54.8% cases were healthcare-associated infections. The 30-day mortality rate was 32.7%. The mortality rate of patients with healthcare-associated bacteraemia was significantly higher than for community-acquired cases (p < 0.001). Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing K. pneumoniae accounted for 15.4% of cases. Intra- abdominal infection was the most common infection (32.7%). Prior use of immunosuppressive agents and antimicrobial therapy were two major predisposing factors for infection. The treatment cost was USD12 282 ± 11 751 and the length of hospitalization was 9.0 ± 6.7 days. Multivariate analysis showed that liver disease (odds ratio (OR) = 3.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.38-6.78), malignancy (OR = 6.86; 95% CI = 3.25-14.48), pneumonia (OR = 5.25; 95% CI = 2.05-13.41) and Pitt score > 1 (OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.25-5.00) were associated with mortality. Malignancy (OR = 2.94; 95% CI = 1.33-6.49), Pitt score > 1 (OR = 4.15; 95% CI = 1.87-9.24) and age < 72 years (OR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.35-5.88) were associated with high treatment cost.

CONCLUSIONS

The 30-day mortality and treatment cost of patients with K. pneumoniae bacteraemia were high in Hong Kong. Based upon the risk factors identified, infection control and treatment algorithms for K. pneumoniae bacteraemia in patients with malignancy or liver disease are highly warranted.

Review of pharmacoeconomic evaluation of genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy

INTRODUCTION

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent widely prescribed for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and it is activated by the CYP enzyme system to active metabolite. CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) allele(s) affect the responsiveness of clopidogrel, but not the new antiplatelet agents (prasugrel and ticagrelor). We reviewed the pharmacoeconomic studies on genotype-guided use of new antiplatelet agents.

AREAS COVERED

A literature search was conducted between the period of 2000 and 2014. Seven studies including cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit analyses of CYP2C19 genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy in ACS patients were reviewed. Genotype-guided prasugrel was found to be cost-effective when compared with universal antiplatelet therapy in four studies. Three studies showed genotype-guided ticagrelor to be cost-effective in ACS patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and universal ticagrelor to be cost-effective in ACS patients. Drug cost of antiplatelet agents and relative risk of the new antiplatelet versus clopidogrel for clinical events were common influential factors of cost-effectiveness analyses.

EXPERT OPINION

All studies in the present review focused on selecting antiplatelet agents for carriers of CYP2C19 LOF allele(s). Cost-effectiveness of genotype-guided use of antiplatelets was demonstrated in high-risk ACS patients.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for rapid diagnosis of suspected tuberculosis in an intermediate burden area

OBJECTIVES

We examined, from a Hong Kong healthcare providers' perspective, the cost-effectiveness of rapid diagnosis with Xpert in patients hospitalized for suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

METHODS

A decision tree was designed to simulate outcomes of three diagnostic assessment strategies in adult patients hospitalized for suspected active PTB: conventional approach, sputum smear plus Xpert for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-negative, and a single sputum Xpert test. Model inputs were derived from the literature. Outcome measures were direct medical cost, one-year mortality rate, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost per QALY (ICER).

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, Xpert was more effective with higher QALYs gained and a lower mortality rate when compared with smear plus Xpert by an ICER of USD99. A conventional diagnostic approach was the least preferred option with the highest cost, lowest QALYs gained and highest mortality rate. Sensitivity analysis showed that Xpert would be the most cost-effective option if the sensitivity of sputum AFB smear microscopy was ≤74%. The probabilities of Xpert, smear plus Xpert and a conventional approach to be cost-effective were 94.5%, 5.5% and 0%, respectively, in 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations.

CONCLUSIONS

The Xpert sputum test appears to be a highly cost-effective diagnostic strategy for patients with suspected active PTB in an intermediate burden area like Hong Kong.

Active Surveillance and Decolonization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus on Admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Hong Kong: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Objective.

To examine potential clinical outcomes and cost of active methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) surveillance with and without decolonization in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from the perspective of healthcare providers in Hong Kong.

Design.

Decision analysis modeling.

Setting.

NICU.

Patients.

Hypothetical cohort of patients admitted to an NICU.

Methods.

We designed a decision tree to simulate potential outcomes of active MRSA surveillance with and without decolonization in patients admitted to an NICU. Outcome measures included total direct medical cost per patient, MRSA infection rate, and MRSA-associated mortality rate. Model inputs were derived from the literature. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impact of uncertainty in all model variables.

Results.

In the base-case analysis, active surveillance plus decolonization showed a lower expected MRSA infection rate (0.911% vs 1.759%), MRSA-associated mortality rate (0.223% vs 0.431%), and total cost per patient (USD 47,294 vs USD 48,031) compared with active surveillance alone. Sensitivity analyses showed that active surveillance plus decolonization cost less and had lower event rates if the incidence risk ratio of acquiring MRSA infections in carriers after decolonization was less than 0.997. In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, active surveillance plus decolonization was significantly less costly than active surveillance alone 99.9% of the time, and both the MRSA infection rate and the MRSA-associated mortality rate were significantly lower 99.9% of the time.

Conclusions.

Active surveillance plus decolonization for patients admitted to NICUs appears to be cost saving and effective in reducing the MRSA infection rate and the MRSA-associated mortality rate if addition of decolonization to active surveillance reduces the risk of MRSA infection.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(10):1024-1030

Cost-effectiveness of dabigatran versus genotype-guided management of warfarin therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Dabigatran is associated with lower rate of stroke comparing to warfarin when anticoagulation control is sub-optimal. Genotype-guided warfarin dosing and management may improve patient-time in target range (TTR) and therefore affect the cost-effectiveness of dabigatran compared with warfain. We examined the cost-effectiveness of dabigatran versus warfarin therapy with genotype-guided management in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

A Markov model was designed to compare life-long economic and treatment outcomes of dabigatran (110 mg and 150 mg twice daily), warfarin usual anticoagulation care (usual AC) with mean TTR 64%, and genotype-guided anticoagulation care (genotype-guided AC) in a hypothetical cohort of AF patients aged 65 years old with CHADS(2) score 2. Model inputs were derived from literature. The genotype-guided AC was assumed to achieve TTR = 78.9%, adopting the reported TTR achieved by warfarin service with good anticoagulation control in literature. Outcome measure was incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained (ICER) from perspective of healthcare payers. In base-case analysis, dabigatran 150 mg gained higher QALYs than genotype-guided AC (10.065QALYs versus 9.554QALYs) at higher cost (USD92,684 versus USD85,627) with ICER = USD13,810. Dabigatran 110 mg and usual AC gained less QALYs but cost more than dabigatran 150 mg and genotype-guided AC, respectively. ICER of dabigatran 150 mg versus genotype-guided AC would be >USD50,000 (and genotype-guided AC would be most cost-effective) when TTR in genotype-guided AC was >77% and utility value of warfarin was the same or higher than that of dabigatran.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The likelihood of genotype-guided anticoagulation service to be accepted as cost-effective would increase if the quality of life on warfarin and dabigatran therapy are compatible and genotype-guided service achieves high TTR (>77%).

A cost-effectiveness analysis of "test" versus "treat" patients hospitalized with suspected influenza in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza viruses may cause severe diseases and result in excess hospitalization and mortality in the older and younger adults, respectively. Early antiviral treatment may improve clinical outcomes. We examined potential outcomes and costs of test-guided versus empirical treatment in patients hospitalized for suspected influenza in Hong Kong.

METHODS

We designed a decision tree to simulate potential outcomes of four management strategies in adults hospitalized for severe respiratory infection suspected of influenza: "immunofluorescence-assay" (IFA) or "polymerase-chain-reaction" (PCR)-guided oseltamivir treatment, "empirical treatment plus PCR" and "empirical treatment alone". Model inputs were derived from literature. The average prevalence (11%) of influenza in 2010-2011 (58% being 2009 H1N1) among cases of respiratory infections was used in the base-case analysis. Primary outcome simulated was cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) expected (ICER) from the Hong Kong healthcare providers' perspective.

RESULTS

In base-case analysis, "empirical treatment alone" was shown to be the most cost-effective strategy and dominated the other three options. Sensitivity analyses showed that "PCR-guided treatment" would dominate "empirical treatment alone" when the daily cost of oseltamivir exceeded USD18, or when influenza prevalence was <2.5% and the predominant circulating viruses were not 2009 H1N1. Using USD50,000 as the threshold of willingness-to-pay, "empirical treatment alone" and "PCR-guided treatment" were cost-effective 97% and 3% of time, respectively, in 10,000 Monte-Carlo simulations.

CONCLUSIONS

During influenza epidemics, empirical antiviral treatment appears to be a cost-effective strategy in managing patients hospitalized with severe respiratory infection suspected of influenza, from the perspective of healthcare providers in Hong Kong.