Cost-effectiveness analysis of zinc supplementation for treatment of acute diarrhea in children younger than 5 years in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of zinc supplementation for the treatment of acute diarrhea (AD) in children younger than 5 years in Colombia. METHODS: The cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from the perspective of the Colombian health system. The standard treatment with the addition of zinc was compared with the standard treatment without zinc in children younger than 5 years. The time horizon was 1 month. Effectiveness was extracted from a systematic review of literature. The specific data for Colombia were taken from local databases and observational studies. To determine the costs, a typical case was constructed by reviewing guidelines and medical records and validated by experts. To evaluate the resources consumed, Colombian tariff manuals were used. Costs were stated in Colombian pesos (COP) and US dollar (USD) for 2010. Deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of changes in cost and effectiveness of the strategies on the results from the model. RESULTS: The results from the model indicate that zinc supplementation is a dominant strategy; it is less costly and more effective than standard treatment without zinc (reduction of $15,210 COP [8.14 USD] per child). The results are sensitive to changes in the probability of hospitalization and of persistent diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc for the treatment of AD is a highly cost-effective strategy and is recommended for inclusion in the benefit plan of the Colombian health system. This intervention is more cost-effective in children with a higher risk of persistent diarrhea and hospitalization.

Cost-utility analysis of an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator for the treatment of patients with ischemic or non-ischemic New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure in Colombia / Análisis de costo-utilidad del desfibrilador cardioversor implantable para el tratamiento de pacientes colombianos con insuficiencia cardíaca isquémica o no isquémica de clase II o III según la New York Heart Association

INTRODUCTION: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator reduces the probability of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-utility relationship of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator compared to optimal pharmacological therapy for patients with ischemic or non-ischemic New York Heart Association class II or III (NYHA II-III) heart failure in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a Markov model including costs, effectiveness, and quality of life from the perspective of the Colombian health system. For the baseline case, we adopted a time horizon of 10 years and discount rates of 3% for costs and 3.5% for benefits. The transition probabilities were obtained from a systematic review of the literature. The outcome used was the quality-adjusted life years. We calculated the costs by consulting with the manufacturers of the device offered in the Colombian market and using national-level pricing manuals. We conducted probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: In the base case, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was USD$ 13,187 per quality-adjusted life year gained. For a willingness-to-pay equivalent to three times the gross domestic product per capita as a reference (USD$ 19,139 in 2017), the device would be a cost-effective strategy for the Colombian health system. However, the result may change according to the time horizon, the probability of death, and the price of the device. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for preventing sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure would be a cost-effective strategy for Colombia. The results should be examined considering the uncertainty.

Introducción. El uso del desfibrilador cardioversor implantable reduce la probabilidad de muerte súbita en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo. Determinar la relación de costo-utilidad de un desfibrilador cardioversor implantable comparado con la terapia farmacológica óptima para pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca isquémica o no isquémica de clase II o III según la New York Heart Association (NYHA II-III) en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se desarrolló un modelo de Markov que incluyó los costos, la efectividad y la calidad de vida desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud colombiano. Para el caso de base, se adoptó un horizonte temporal de 10 años y una tasa de descuento de 3 % para los costos y de una 3,5 % para los beneficios. Las probabilidades de transición se obtuvieron de una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Los años de vida ajustados por calidad se usaron como resultado de salud. Para estimar los costos unitarios se usaron manuales tarifarios nacionales y, para los costos del dispositivo, se consultó a los fabricantes que lo comercializan en el mercado colombiano. Se hicieron análisis de sensibilidad probabilísticos y determinísticos. Resultados. En el caso base el costo adicional por año de vida ajustado por calidad ganado con el desfibrilador cardioversor implantable fue de USD$ 13,187. Usando un umbral de tres veces el producto interno bruto per cápita como referencia (USD$ 19.139 en 2017), el dispositivo sería costo-efectivo para el sistema de salud colombiano. Sin embargo, este resultado depende del horizonte temporal, de la probabilidad de muerte y del precio del dispositivo. Conclusiones. El uso de un desfibrilador cardioversor implantable sería una estrategia costo-efectiva para Colombia, aunque los resultados deben examinarse teniendo en cuenta la incertidumbre.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Diagnosis of Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the cost-effectiveness ratio of different courses of action for the diagnosis of Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy in Colombia. METHODS: The cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from the Colombian health system perspective. Decision trees were constructed, and different courses of action were compared considering the following tests: immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot (WB), multiplex polymerase chain reaction, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and the complete sequencing of the dystrophin gene. The time horizon matched the duration of sample extraction and analysis. Transition probabilities were obtained from a systematic review. Costs were constructed with a type-case methodology using the consensus of experts and the valuation of resources from consulting laboratories and the 2001 Social Security Institute cost manual. Deterministic sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed with one or more unavailable alternatives. Costs were converted from Colombian pesos to US dollars using the 2014 exchange rate. RESULTS: In the base case, WB was the dominant strategy, with a cost of US $419.07 and a sensitivity of 100%. This approach remains the dominant strategy down to a 98.2% sensitivity and while costs do not exceed US $837.38. If WB was not available, IHC had the best cost-effectiveness ratio, followed by MLPA and sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: WB is a cost-effective alternative for the diagnosis of patients suspected of having Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy in the Colombian health system. The IHC test is rated as the second-best detection method. If these tests are not available, MLPA followed by sequencing would be the most cost-effective alternative.

[Costs of oral and nasogastric rehydration compared to intravenous rehydration in children under 5 years of age with diarrhea in Colombia]. / Costos de la rehidratación oral y nasogástrica comparadas con la rehidratación endovenosa en niños con diarrea en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the costs of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and nasogastric rehydration therapy (NRT) compared with intravenous rehydration therapy (IRT) to treat dehydration in children under 5 years of age with diarrhea. METHODOLOGY: Cost-minimization analysis from the perspective of the Colombian Health System, comparing ORT, (followed by NRT when ORT fails), with IRT. The time horizon was the duration of rehydration. The effectiveness measure was obtained from a systematic review of the literature. To determine costs, a typical case was created based on current guidelines and medical records; this case was validated by experts. Unit costs were obtained from Colombian databases and were provided in Colombian pesos (COP) and US dollars (USD) for 2010. One- and two-way sensitivity analyzes were performed. RESULTS: ORT and ERT are similarly effective to prevent hospitalization and to achieve rehydration. In the base case, the expected cost of ORT was $91,221 COP (40.5 USD) and for IRT was $112,944 COP ($50.14 USD), saving $21,723 COP ($9.64 USD) per case. In the sensitivity analyzes by health insurance and hospital level, ORT is often the least costly strategy. DISCUSSION: Both interventions are similarly effective, but ORT, followed by NRT when ORT fails, is less costly than IRT. ORT is recommended as the first option to treat dehydration since it is effective and less expensive. Efforts should be continued to implement TRO and NRT in the health services of Colombia.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los costos de las terapias de rehidratación oral (TRO) y de rehidratación nasogástrica (TRN) comparadas con la terapia de rehidratación endovenosa (TRE) para corregir la deshidratación por diarrea en niños. METODOLOGÍA: Análisis de minimización de costos desde la perspectiva del Sistema de Salud colombiano comparando TRO (seguida de TRN ante falla de la TRO), con la TRE. El horizonte temporal fue la duración de la rehidratación. La medida de efectividad se extrajo de una revisión sistemática de literatura. Para determinar costos, se construyó un caso típico y un árbol de decisiones, a partir de revisión de guías e historias clínicas, validado con expertos. Los costos unitarios se obtuvieron de bases de datos colombianas. Costos fueron calculados en pesos colombianos (COP) y dólares americanos (USD). Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad de una y dos vías. RESULTADOS: La TRO y la TRE son similares en efectividad para prevenir hospitalización y lograr rehidratación. En el caso base, el costo de la TRO fue $91,221COP (40.5 USD) y para TRE $112,944COP (50.14USD), es decir, un ahorro de $21,723 COP (9.64 USD). En los análisis de sensibilidad por regímenes de aseguramiento y complejidad del hospital, la TRO suele ser la estrategia menos costosa. DISCUSIÓN: Ambas intervenciones son similares en efectividad, pero la TRO, seguida de TRN ante falla de la primera resulta menos costosa que la TRE. La TRO es recomendable como primera opción para corregir la deshidratación. Deberían continuarse esfuerzos por implementar TRO y TRN en los servicios de salud en Colombia.

Análisis de costo efectividad de ondansetrón para el tratamiento del vómito en niños menores de cinco años con gastroenteritis en Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Ondansetron reduces hospitalization rates for diarrhea and vomiting in children, but is not yet routinely used. OBJECTIVE: To estimate from a social perspective the relative cost-effectiveness of ondansetron for the treatment of vomiting in children with gastroenteritis and at risk of dehydration in Colombia. METHODS: Cost-effectiveness analysis from a social perspective, including direct medical costs and costs for caregivers. With a decision tree we compared costs and health outcomes of usual treatment without antiemetic to usual treatment plus ondansetron in children under 5 years with gastroenteritis and vomiting. Effectiveness of intervention was measured as reduction in hospitalization rates, and the time horizon of the model was the episode. Probabilities were obtained from clinical trials and systematic reviews, measurement of resources use was based on protocols and expert opinions, while unit costs were obtained from Colombian tariff manuals. We performed a survey to estimate indirect costs for caregivers (n=81) that included questions about wage loss, transportation, meals expenditures and other out-of-pocket payments. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Usual treatment plus ondansetron is a dominant strategy compared to usual treatment without antiemetic yielding fewer hospitalizations and saving $44.562 Colombian pesos (23,98USD) per episode. Ondansetron was dominant in 98,91% of simulations of the probabilistic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron is a dominant intervention that reduces hospitalization rates and costs for health system and caregivers. We recommend assessing the inclusion of this drug in the Colombian Health Benefit Plan for the treatment of gastroenteritis in children under 5 years.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute coronary syndrome is one of the most frequent medical emergencies in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine, from the perspective of the Colombian health system, the cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Colombian health system comparing ticagrelor and clopidogrel for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome. To estimate the expected costs and outcomes, a Markov model was constructed in which patients could remain stable without experiencing new cardiovascular events, suffer from a new event, or die. For the baseline case, a 10-year time horizon and a discount ratio of 3% for costs and benefits were adopted. The transition probabilities were extracted from the PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes) clinical trial. Vital statistics were drawn from the Departmento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) and additional information from Colombian patients included in the Access registry. To identify and measure resource use, a standard case was built by consulting guidelines and protocols. Unit costs were obtained from Colombian rate lists. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted in which costs were represented by a triangular distribution, and the effectiveness through a beta distribution. RESULTS: In the base case, the additional cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained with ticagrelor was COP$ 28,411,503. The results were sensitive to changes in the time horizon and the unit cost of clopidogrel. For a willingness-to-pay equivalent to three times the Colombian per capita gross domestic product, the probability of ticagrelor being cost-effective was 75%. CONCLUSIONS: Ticagrelor is a cost-effective strategy for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome in Colombia.

[The impact of subsidized healthcare insurance on access to cervical cytology in Medellin, Colombia]. / Impacto del seguro de salud subsidiado en el acceso a la citología cervical en Medellín, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Assessing the impact of subsidized healthcare insurance on access to cervical cytology in Medellin, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Propensity score matching (PSM) was used with 2008 Life Quality Survey in Colombia figures to obtain a control group comparable to a treatment group. This involved using stratification estimates, the k-nearest-neighbor algorithm and kernel density for calculating impact size RESULTS: Access to cytology for 19 to 49 year-old women having subsidized healthcare insurance were 2.2 % to 2.9 % lower compared to women who did not have any healthcare insurance. Estimates were not statistically significant for women over 50 years-old. DISCUSSION: Women lacking healthcare insurance having increased access to cytology could be explained by charities or social programs aiding the population lacking healthcare insurance.

Cost-utility analysis of an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator for the treatment of patients with ischemic or non-ischemic New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure in Colombia / Análisis de costo-utilidad del desfibrilador cardioversor implantable para el tratamiento de pacientes colombianos con insuficiencia cardíaca isquémica o no isquémica de clase II o III según la New York Heart Association

Abstract Introduction: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator reduces the probability of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure. Objective: To determine the cost-utility relationship of an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator compared to optimal pharmacological therapy for patients with ischemic or nonischemic New York Heart Association class II or III (NYHA II-III) heart failure in Colombia. Materials and methods: We developed a Markov model including costs, effectiveness, and quality of life from the perspective of the Colombian health system. For the baseline case, we adopted a time horizon of 10 years and discount rates of 3% for costs and 3.5% for benefits. The transition probabilities were obtained from a systematic review of the literature. The outcome used was the quality-adjusted life years. We calculated the costs by consulting with the manufacturers of the device offered in the Colombian market and using national-level pricing manuals. We conducted probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses. Results: In the base case, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was USD$ 13,187 per quality-adjusted life year gained. For a willingness-to-pay equivalent to three times the gross domestic product per capita as a reference (USD$ 19,139 in 2017), the device would be a cost-effective strategy for the Colombian health system. However, the result may change according to the time horizon, the probability of death, and the price of the device. Conclusions: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for preventing sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure would be a cost-effective strategy for Colombia. The results should be examined considering the uncertainty

Resumen Introducción. El uso del desfibrilador cardioversor implantable reduce la probabilidad de muerte súbita en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo. Determinar la relación de costo-utilidad de un desfibrilador cardioversor implantable comparado con la terapia farmacológica óptima para pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca isquémica o no isquémica de clase II o III según la New York Heart Association (NYHA II-III) en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se desarrolló un modelo de Markov que incluyó los costos, la efectividad y la calidad de vida desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud colombiano. Para el caso de base, se adoptó un horizonte temporal de 10 años y una tasa de descuento de 3 % para los costos y de una 3,5 % para los beneficios. Las probabilidades de transición se obtuvieron de una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Los años de vida ajustados por calidad se usaron como resultado de salud. Para estimar los costos unitarios se usaron manuales tarifarios nacionales y, para los costos del dispositivo, se consultó a los fabricantes que lo comercializan en el mercado colombiano. Se hicieron análisis de sensibilidad probabilísticos y determinísticos. Resultados. En el caso base el costo adicional por año de vida ajustado por calidad ganado con el desfibrilador cardioversor implantable fue de USD$ 13,187. Usando un umbral de tres veces el producto interno bruto per cápita como referencia (USD$ 19.139 en 2017), el dispositivo sería costo-efectivo para el sistema de salud colombiano. Sin embargo, este resultado depende del horizonte temporal, de la probabilidad de muerte y del precio del dispositivo. Conclusiones. El uso de un desfibrilador cardioversor implantable sería una estrategia costo-efectiva para Colombia, aunque los resultados deben examinarse teniendo en cuenta la incertidumbre.

[Quality assessment of economic evaluations in health care in Colombia: a systematic review]. / Evaluación de la calidad metodológica de la literatura en evaluación económica en salud en Colombia: una revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Economic evaluation is a tool that can provide useful information to decision-makers in health. The methodological quality of Colombian studies has not been assessed in a systematic way. OBJECTIVE: To assess the methodological quality of economic evaluations in health care in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review of economic studies that assessed both costs and effectiveness of at least two technologies related to a decision problem in Colombia. Search was performed in international and Colombian databases and was completed with manual searches and contact with authors. Data was synthesized in tables that included relevant information about the studies. Methodological quality was evaluated using a predefined instrument. Searches were performed between January and February. RESULTS: 48 studies were included in the review. Perspective of the study, incremental analyzes and description of alternatives were usually well specified. However, more than half of the articles did not state clearly the time horizon or discount rate and most studies did not address equity and implementation issues. Management of uncertainty was also problematic. CONCLUSIONS: Economic evaluation in health care in Colombia has grown considerably in recent years. However, methods vary considerably between studies and therefore their usefulness for decisionmaking in health is limited. It is necessary to standardize methods in order to generate evidence of higher quality to support decisions within the Colombian health care system.

Costos de la rehidratación oral y nasogástrica comparadas con la rehidratación endovenosa en niños con diarrea en Colombia / Costs of oral and nasogastric rehydration compared to intravenous rehydration in children under 5 years of age with diarrhea in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar los costos de las terapias de rehidratación oral (TRO) y de rehidratación nasogástrica (TRN) comparadas con la terapia de rehidratación endovenosa (TRE) para corregir la deshidratación por diarrea en niños. Metodología Análisis de minimización de costos desde la perspectiva del Sistema de Salud colombiano comparando TRO (seguida de TRN ante falla de la TRO), con la TRE. El horizonte temporal fue la duración de la rehidratación. La medida de efectividad se extrajo de una revisión sistemática de literatura. Para determinar costos, se construyó un caso típico y un árbol de decisiones, a partir de revisión de guías e historias clínicas, validado con expertos. Los costos unitarios se obtuvieron de bases de datos colombianas. Costos fueron calculados en pesos colombianos (COP) y dólares americanos (USD). Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad de una y dos vías. Resultados La TRO y la TRE son similares en efectividad para prevenir hospitalización y lograr rehidratación. En el caso base, el costo de la TRO fue $91,221COP (40.5 USD) y para TRE $112,944COP (50.14USD), es decir, un ahorro de $21,723 COP (9.64 USD). En los análisis de sensibilidad por regímenes de aseguramiento y complejidad del hospital, la TRO suele ser la estrategia menos costosa. Discusión Ambas intervenciones son similares en efectividad, pero la TRO, seguida de TRN ante falla de la primera resulta menos costosa que la TRE. La TRO es recomendable como primera opción para corregir la deshidratación. Deberían continuarse esfuerzos por implementar TRO y TRN en los servicios de salud en Colombia.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the costs of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and nasogastric rehydration therapy (NRT) compared with intravenous rehydration therapy (IRT) to treat dehydration in children under 5 years of age with diarrhea. Methodology Cost-minimization analysis from the perspective of the Colombian Health System, comparing ORT, (followed by NRT when ORT fails), with IRT. The time horizon was the duration of rehydration. The effectiveness measure was obtained from a systematic review of the literature. To determine costs, a typical case was created based on current guidelines and medical records; this case was validated by experts. Unit costs were obtained from Colombian databases and were provided in Colombian pesos (COP) and US dollars (USD) for 2010. One- and two-way sensitivity analyzes were performed. Results ORT and ERT are similarly effective to prevent hospitalization and to achieve rehydration. In the base case, the expected cost of ORT was $91,221 COP (40.5 USD) and for IRT was $112,944 COP ($50.14 USD), saving $21,723 COP ($9.64 USD) per case. In the sensitivity analyzes by health insurance and hospital level, ORT is often the least costly strategy. Discussion Both interventions are similarly effective, but ORT, followed by NRT when ORT fails, is less costly than IRT. ORT is recommended as the first option to treat dehydration since it is effective and less expensive. Efforts should be continued to implement TRO and NRT in the health services of Colombia.(AU)

Cost-effectiveness analysis of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome in Colombia / Análisis de costo-efectividad del ticagrelor en comparación con el clopidogrel para el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo en Colombia

Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome is one of the most frequent medical emergencies in developing countries. Objective: To determine, from the perspective of the Colombian health system, the cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Materials and methods: We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Colombian health system comparing ticagrelor and clopidogrel for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome. To estimate the expected costs and outcomes, a Markov model was constructed in which patients could remain stable without experiencing new cardiovascular events, suffer from a new event, or die. For the baseline case, a 10-year time horizon and a discount ratio of 3% for costs and benefits were adopted. The transition probabilities were extracted from the PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes) clinical trial. Vital statistics were drawn from the Departmento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) and additional information from Colombian patients included in the Access registry. To identify and measure resource use, a standard case was built by consulting guidelines and protocols. Unit costs were obtained from Colombian rate lists. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted in which costs were represented by a triangular distribution, and the effectiveness through a beta distribution. Results: In the base case, the additional cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained with ticagrelor was COP$ 28,411,503. The results were sensitive to changes in the time horizon and the unit cost of clopidogrel. For a willingness-to-pay equivalent to three times the Colombian per capita gross domestic product, the probability of ticagrelor being cost-effective was 75%. Conclusions: Ticagrelor is a cost-effective strategy for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome in Colombia.

Introducción. El síndrome coronario agudo es una de las emergencias médicas más frecuentes en los países en desarrollo. Objetivo. Determinar, desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud colombiano, la relación de costo-efectividad del ticagrelor comparado con el clopidogrel para el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis de costo-efectividad desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud colombiano, comparando el ticagrelor y el clopidogrel para el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. Para estimar los costos y resultados esperados de las dos alternativas, se construyó un modelo de Markov en el cual los pacientes podían permanecer estables sin experimentar nuevos eventos cardiovasculares, sufrir de un nuevo evento coronario o morir. Para el caso de base, se adoptó un horizonte temporal de 10 años y una tasa de descuento de 3 % para los costos y beneficios. Las probabilidades de transición se extrajeron del estudio Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes , PLATO. Las estadísticas vitales se consultaron en informes del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) y los parámetros adicionales del modelo se basaron en la información de los pacientes colombianos incluidos en el registro en Access. Para identificar y medir el uso de recursos, se construyó un caso estándar a partir de guías y protocolos. Los costos unitarios se obtuvieron de manuales tarifarios colombianos. Se hizo un análisis de sensibilidad probabilístico en el que los costos se representaron por una distribución triangular y, las probabilidades de transición, mediante una distribución beta. Resultados. En el caso de base, el costo adicional por años de vida ajustados por calidad ganados con el ticagrelor fue de COP$ 28´411.503. Los resultados fueron sensibles a los cambios en el horizonte temporal y al costo unitario del clopidogrel. Para un umbral de costo-efectividad equivalente a tres veces el producto interno bruto per cápita de Colombia, la probabilidad de que el ticagrelor fuera costo-efectivo fue de 75 %. Conclusiones. El ticagrelor es una estrategia costo-efectiva para el tratamiento de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo en Colombia.

Análisis de costo efectividad de prasugrel, comparado con clopidogrel para pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sometidos a intervención coronaria percutánea en Colombia / Analysis of cost effectiveness of prasugrel compared with clopidogrel for patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in Colombia

Objetivo: determinar, desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud colombiano, la relación de costo-efectividad del prasugrel comparado con clopidogrel, para el tratamiento de pacientes adultos con síndrome coronario agudo. Material y métodos: se construyó un modelo de Markov con ciclos anuales en el cual los pacientes pueden permanecer sin experimentar nuevos eventos cardiovasculares, sufrir un nuevo evento o morir. En el caso base se adoptó un horizonte temporal de 10 años y una tasa de descuento de 3%. Las probabilidades de transición se extrajeron del ensayo clínico TRITON-TIMI 38, de las estadísticas vitales del Departamento Nacional de Estadística y de la información de los pacientes colombianos del registro ACCESS. Para identificar y medir el uso de recursos se diseñó un caso típico a partir de la revisión de guías y protocolos; para la valoración se emplearon manuales tarifarios colombianos. Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad determinísticos y probabilísticos. Resultados: en el caso base, el costo por año de vida ajustado por calidad ganado con prasugrel es $79 987 695 pesos colombianos. Los resultados son sensibles a cambios en el horizonte temporal y al costo del clopidogrel. Bajo un umbral de disposición a pagar de tres veces el PIB per cápita colombiano, la probabilidad de que el prasugrel sea costo efectivo es 7%. Conclusiones: la decisión respecto a la inclusión del prasugrel en el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo, sometidos a intervención coronaria percutánea depende fundamentalmente del costo del clopidogrel que el decisor considere relevante para realizar la comparación. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 310-317).

Objective: to determine the cost-effectiveness relation of prasugrel compared with clopidogrel for the treatment of adult patients with acute coronary syndrome from the perspective of Colombian health system. Material and methods: a Markov model with annual cycles in which patients can remain without experiencing new cardiovascular events, have a new event or die, was built. In the base case a time horizon of 10 years and a discount rate of 3% was adopted. Transition probabilities were taken from the clinical trial TRITON-TIMI 38, of vital statistics from the National Department of Statistics and from the information of Colombian patients in ACCESS registry. To identify and measure the use of resources, a typical case was designed from the review of guidelines and protocols; Colombian tariff manuals were used for assessment. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyzes were performed. Results: in the base case, the cost per year of quality-adjusted life gained with prasugrel is $ 79,987,695 Colombian pesos. The results are sensitive to changes in the timeframe and cost of clopidogrel. Under a threshold willingness to pay three times the per capita GDP of Colombia, the probability that prasugrel may be cost-effective, is 7%. Conclusions: the decision on the inclusion of prasugrel in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention depends mainly on the cost of clopidogrel that the decision maker considers relevant to perform the comparison. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 310-317).

Impacto del seguro de salud subsidiado en el acceso a la citología cervical en Medellín, Colombia / The impact of subsidized healthcare insurance on access to cervical cytology in Medellin, Colombia

Objetivo Evaluar el impacto del seguro de salud subsidiado, sobre el acceso a la citología cervical en Medellín-Colombia. Material y Métodos Se utilizó el método de apareamiento por índice de propensión para obtener un grupo de control comparable a un grupo de tratamiento, usando la Encuesta de Calidad Vida de Colombia 2008. La estimación de impactos se realizó con el uso de los indicadores de estratificación por segmentos, vecino más cercano y densidad de Kernel. Resultados El acceso a la citología para las mujeres entre 19 y 49 años del seguro subsidiado fue entre 2,2 % y 2,9 % menor en comparación con las mujeres que no cuentan con ningún seguro. Para las mujeres mayores de 50 años ninguna estimación fue estadísticamente significativa. Discusión. El mayor acceso a la citología que tienen las mujeres sin aseguramiento en salud podría explicarse gracias a instituciones de beneficencia o programas sociales que realizan acciones en salud en la población sin aseguramiento.(AU)

Objective Assessing the impact of subsidized healthcare insurance on access to cervical cytology in Medellin, Colombia. Materials and Methods Propensity score matching (PSM) was used with 2008 Life Quality Survey in Colombia figures to obtain a control group comparable to a treatment group. This involved using stratification estimates, the k-nearest-neighbor algorithm and kernel density for calculating impact size Results Access to cytology for 19 to 49 year-old women having subsidized healthcare insurance were 2.2 % to 2.9 % lower compared to women who did not have any healthcare insurance. Estimates were not statistically significant for women over 50 years-old. Discussion Women lacking healthcare insurance having increased access to cytology could be explained by charities or social programs aiding the population lacking healthcare insurance.(AU)

Evaluación de la calidad metodológica de la literatura en evaluación económica en salud en Colombia: una revisión sistemática / Quality assessment of economic evaluations in health care in Colombia: a systematic review

Introducción. La evaluación económica es una herramienta que contribuye a establecer prioridades en la toma de decisiones en salud. La calidad metodológica de los estudios realizados en Colombia no se ha evaluado de manera sistemática. Objetivo. Valorar la calidad metodológica de las evaluaciones económicas en salud publicadas en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de evaluaciones económicas completas (costos y efectividad de, al menos, dos programas o servicios de salud) referidas a un problema de decisión en salud de Colombia. La búsqueda se hizo en bases de datos internacionales y colombianas, y se complementó con búsqueda manual y consulta con autores. La síntesis de los datos se hizo en tablas que incluían información relevante sobre los estudios, y la calidad metodológica se evaluó con un instrumento prediseñado. Las búsquedas se hicieron entre enero y febrero de 2012. Resultados. Se incluyeron 48 estudios. En la mayoría de los estudios se hace explícito el punto de vista, se describen las alternativas comparadas y se hace un análisis incremental (sic.). Más de la mitad de los trabajos presentan limitaciones en la especificación del horizonte temporal o la tasa de descuento, en la estimación y actualización de los beneficios en salud y los costos, así como en la consideración de cuestiones de equidad o implementación. El análisis de la incertidumbre resulta ser el punto más problemático. Conclusiones. Las evaluaciones económicas en salud publicadas en Colombia han aumentado en los últimos años; sin embargo, se observa una gran heterogeneidad en los métodos, lo cual dificulta la comparación de los resultados y su uso para la toma de decisiones en salud. Es fundamental avanzar en la estandarización de los métodos, con el fin de contribuir a generar información de mejor calidad que permita apoyar las decisiones en el sistema de salud colombiano.

Introduction: Economic evaluation is a tool that can provide useful information to decision-makers in health. The methodological quality of Colombian studies has not been assessed in a systematic way. Objective: To assess the methodological quality of economic evaluations in health care in Colombia. Materials and methods: Systematic review of economic studies that assessed both costs and effectiveness of at least two technologies related to a decision problem in Colombia. Search was performed in international and Colombian databases and was completed with manual searches and contact with authors. Data was synthesized in tables that included relevant information about the studies. Methodological quality was evaluated using a predefined instrument. Searches were performed between January and February. Results: 48 studies were included in the review. Perspective of the study, incremental analyzes and description of alternatives were usually well specified. However, more than half of the articles did not state clearly the time horizon or discount rate and most studies did not address equity and implementation issues. Management of uncertainty was also problematic. Conclusions: Economic evaluation in health care in Colombia has grown considerably in recent years. However, methods vary considerably between studies and therefore their usefulness for decisionmaking in health is limited. It is necessary to standardize methods in order to generate evidence of higher quality to support decisions within the Colombian health care system.