Partially hydrolysed 100% whey-based infant formula and the prevention of atopic dermatitis: comparative pharmacoeconomic analyses.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that the risk of developing atopic dermatitis is reduced when using hydrolysed formulas to feed infants with a documented risk of atopy (i.e. an affected parent and/or sibling)when breastfeeding is not practised. However, little is known about the cost-effectiveness of using hydrolysed formulas. Consequently, economic analyses in 5 European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland) have evaluated the costs and cost-effectiveness of a specific brand of 100% whey-based partially hydrolysed infant formula, NAN-HA® (PHF-W) compared with a cow's milk standard formula (SF) in the prevention of atopic dermatitis in at-risk children. This review synthesises the findings of these studies. Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) used a decision-analytic model to determine treatment pathways, resource utilisation and costs associated with the management of atopic dermatitis in healthy at-risk newborns who were not exclusively breastfed. The model had a 12-month horizon and applied reimbursement rates of 60-100% depending on the country. Outcomes were considered from the perspective of the public healthcare system (e.g. the Ministry of Health; MOH), family and society. The final outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per avoided case of atopic dermatitis (ICER) for PHF-W versus SF. A cost-minimisation analysis was also performed to compare PHF-W with extensively hydrolysed formulas (EHF). The base-case CEA produced ICERs per avoided case for PHF-W versus SF of EUR 982-1,343 (MOH perspective), EUR -2,202 to -624 (family perspective) indicating savings, and EUR -1,220 to 719 from the societal perspective. The main costs related to formula (MOH and society) and time loss (family). In the cost-minimisation analysis, PHF-W yielded savings of between EUR 4.3 and 120 million compared with EHF-whey when the latter was used in prevention. In conclusion, PHF-W was cost-effective versus SF in the prevention of atopic dermatitis and cost saving compared with EHF when used in prevention.

Elicitation of Health Utilities in Oncology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: Health utilities (HUs) are quantitative measures of quality of life that are used to derive outcomes such as quality-adjusted life years in cost-effectiveness analyses. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are no HUs for cancer. This study aimed to generate HU estimates for various health states associated with cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Adult citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, patients with cancer, and patients without cancer were recruited to participate in an online version of the Time Trade-Off (TTO) survey, a direct method that asks participants to indicate the amount of time they are willing to trade off in return for full health. The time horizon was 10 years. Patients were surveyed on their own health state; patients without cancer were presented with a scenario describing stage III colon cancer and were asked to act as proxies. RESULTS: Mean HU score was 0.398 (n = 398), 0.315 for patients with cancer (n = 199), and 0.482 for patients without cancer (n = 199). Among patients, the largest subgroup with colorectal cancer (n = 105), had a mean HU of 0.296; the subgroup with the lowest mean HU was patients with hepatocellular cancer (n = 3; 0.047), and the subgroup with the highest mean HU was patients with cholangiocarcinoma (n = 5; 0.508). Overall, the initial stage I subgroup (n = 7) had a mean HU of 0.456; initial stage II (n = 25), 0.240; stage II (n = 67), 0.319; and initial stage IV (n = 77), 0.320. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study of this size to elicit HU scores for cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patients may have had clinically worse disease than the patients in the scenario that was presented to patients without cancer. Further analyses are warranted for specific types of cancer. These HUs can in turn be applied in cost-utility analyses.

Empirical Monetary Valuation of a Quality-Adjusted Life-Year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Willingness-to-Pay Analysis.

BACKGROUND: No willingness-to-pay (WTP) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) value exists for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the WTP for a QALY in the KSA. METHODS: Adult citizens of the KSA, patients with cancer, or members of the general public (MGP) were recruited to participate in a time trade-off survey to elicit health utilities. Cancer was chosen as the disease of interest for patients and the MGP, with a scenario describing stage 3 colorectal cancer, because it is a disease condition that impacts on both quality of life and survival time. In a second step, respondents were asked about their WTP to move from the estimated health state to a state of perfect health for 1 year (QALY). Finally, that amount was processed to generate the WTP for a full QALY. The second step was repeated with a 5-year horizon. Sensitivity analyses were performed without outliers. RESULTS: From 400 participants, data from 378 subjects were obtained and usable: 177 patients, 201 MGP; 278 male, 100 female subjects; 231 aged 26-65 years. Demographic distribution varied widely between the two subgroups for age, education level, and employment status, but with less variation in sex and income. Elicited health utilities were 0.413 (0.472 after adjustment) for the overall group, 0.316 (0.416) for patients, and 0.499 (0.508) for MGP. Overall WTP for a QALY was $US25,600 (adjusted $US32,000) for the 1-year horizon and $US19,200 (adjusted $US22,720) for the 5-year horizon. CONCLUSION: This was the first empirical attempt to estimate the WTP per QALY for the KSA. Results are comparable to those in some other countries and to gross domestic product figures for the KSA. Further research in a country-wide sample is warranted.

Willingness to pay for a treatment for pain in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects 240 per 100 000 Canadians. Of these patients, 10-80% (average 70%) experience pain. Sativex is a cannabis-based drug recently approved for neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we determine individuals' preferences between two treatment options as well as the willingness to pay (WTP) for Sativex, expressed as the amount they would pay in insurance premiums to have access to that treatment. METHODS: The WTP instrument comprised a decision board as a visual aid, and a questionnaire. A decision board helps clinicians standardize the presentation of treatment information. In this study, the decision board described two treatment options: a three-drug combination (gabapentin, amytriptyline, acetaminophen [paracetamol] {i.e. pills}) and the three-drug combination plus Sativex (i.e. 'pills and oral spray'). Information on efficacy and adverse effects was taken from trial data; wording was guided by a panel of neurologists and tested for clarity on lay people. The instrument was administered to 500 participants from Canada's general population using the bidding game approach. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age of participants was 39 (13) years, with a female : male distribution of 56 : 44. The decision board was presented in both English (85%) and French (15%). Of 500 interviewees, 253 (50.6%) chose the 'pills and oral spray'. Mean monthly WTP for the insurance premium for those who chose the 'pills and oral spray' was Can dollars 8 (SD +/- 15, median 4, range 0-200). CONCLUSIONS: Assuming that 51% of the general population are willing to pay additional premiums as reported in this study, the premiums collected would cover the cost of Sativex for all Canadian MS patients experiencing pain, with a surplus.

Cost comparison of prostaglandin analogues: a Canadian population-based analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Glaucoma is a fairly common disease, however, little is known about the costs associated with prostaglandin analogues (PAs). The costs between the three available PAs (Lumigan (bimatoprost), Xalatan (latanoprost) and Travatan (travoprost)) were compared as monotherapy and when adjunctive therapy was used. METHODS: From the Québec drug claims database, all patients who used these drugs for 1 full year were identified. From the Ministry of Health (MoH) perspective, the average cost for all reimbursed costs (drug costs and pharmacist fees) were calculated. Those costs plus the patient out-of-pocket copayments were used for the payer + user (PU) perspective. RESULTS: Data from 4,653 patients were analysed (3,606 on monotherapy and 1,047 on combination treatment with adjunctive therapy), 59.7% were females, and the average age was 72.6 +/- 10.4 years. MoH perspective costs were $410 +/- $167 for bimatoprost, $381 +/- $145 for latanoprost and $298 +/- $121 for travoprost (all differences p<0.001), for patients on monotherapy. Costs of combination treatment with adjunctive therapy were $786 +/- $416, $686 +/- $313, and $623 +/- $521, respectively (travoprost significantly lower than each of the other two p<0.001, others=not significant). Results from the PU perspective were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Travoprost had the lowest cost, both as monotherapy and in conjunction with other glaucoma treatments. Further comparative pharmacoeconomic evaluation is warranted.

The economic impact of introducing serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors into the Brazilian national drug formulary: cost-effectiveness and budget-impact analyses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost effectiveness, from the Brazilian Ministry of Health viewpoint, of three antidepressant classes for major depressive disorder (MDD), and the budget impact of introducing serotonin-noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) into the current Brazilian national drug formulary, assuming a 6-month treatment duration. METHODS: An existing decision-tree model was adapted to Brazil, based on local guidelines. Clinical data were obtained from published meta-analyses. Patients included adults aged > or =18 years with MDD, diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third and fourth editions (DSM-III/IV), with moderate-to-severe disease (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAMD] > or =15 or Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] > or =18), without co-morbidities or co-medications, receiving > or =6 weeks of treatment with SNRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and/or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Clinical outcome was remission (HAMD < or =7 or MADRS < or =12). Direct costs (drugs, physician visits, hospitalisations) were included. Drug costs were obtained from the 2006 Brazilian National Drug Price List, and hospitalisation and physician costs from the 2006 Healthcare System database. Costs were valued in Brazilian Reais ($Brz), year 2006 values ($Brz1 = $US0.47). Univariate and Monte Carlo sensitivity analyses tested model robustness. RESULTS: Expected costs per patient treated were SNRIs $Brz4848; SSRIs $Brz5466; and TCAs $Brz5046, and overall success rates (primary plus secondary treatment across all decision tree branches) were SNRIs 78.1%; SSRIs 74.0%; and TCAs 76.4%. Average costs/success were SNRIs $Brz6209; SSRIs $Brz7385; and TCAs $Brz6602. SNRIs dominated in incremental cost-effectiveness analyses. Monte Carlo analysis confirmed drug classes' relative positions; however, there was considerable uncertainty. Introducing SNRIs into the formulary could generate average savings of 1% of the total budget, with a 52% probability of savings. CONCLUSIONS: SNRIs appear to be cost effective against SSRIs and TCAs when prescribed to patients with MDD in Brazil. However, their inclusion into the national drug list would generate minor savings compared with the current formulary of SSRIs and TCAs. Thus, we considered such inclusion as 'cost-neutral', since no major probability of savings or increased expenditures were observed.

Pain due to multiple sclerosis: analysis of the prevalence and economic burden in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease affecting approximately 50,000 Canadians. Although studies have described overall MS costs, none have focused specifically on MS-related pain. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of MS-related pain in Canada, the proportion of patients treated and responding to treatment for MS-related pain, and the associated economic burden. METHODS: Results were captured through physician and patient surveys. Patients were recruited through MS clinics and the MS Society. Patient-reported outcomes and resource utilization over the previous six months were collected by telephone interview. Costs were measured in 2004 Canadian dollars. The economic burden was extrapolated to the population using national demographics and prevalence. Spearman's rho assessed the relationship between cost and pain severity. RESULTS: Physicians estimated that 46% of their MS patients experienced MS-related pain, and that 35% received treatment for pain. Pain was reported to be relieved somewhat in 29%+/-10% of their patients, adequately in 26%+/-19% and poorly in 27%+/-13%, while 17%+/-9% received no relief. Two hundred ninety-seven participants completed the patient survey. Seventy-one per cent (211 of 297 patients) experienced MS-related pain. Eighty per cent of patients reported taking some type of medication to manage their pain, and of these, 82% reported some reduction in pain. The mean +/- SD direct cost per patient of MS-related pain was dollars 2,528+/-5,695. The mean +/- SD indirect cost per patient was dollars 669+/-875. Total costs were positively correlated with levels of self-reported pain (rho=0.291, rho<0.0001). The estimated six-month burden of pain of MS patients in Canada was dollars 79,444,888. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pain is high in MS patients. This condition may be underdiagnosed and undertreated, and results in a significant economic burden on society.

Remission, dropouts, and adverse drug reaction rates in major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of head-to-head trials.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize remission rates and dropouts due to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or lack of efficacy (LoE) of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in treating major depressive disorder. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, IPA, and the Cochrane International Library from 1980-2005. Meta-analysis summarized outcomes from head-to-head randomized clinical trials comparing >or= 2 drugs from three antidepressants classes (SNRIs, and/or SSRIs, and/or TCAs) followed by >or= 6 weeks of treatment. Remission was a final Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score 0.05 for SNRIs versus TCAs; p < 0.001 for TCAs versus SSRIs and SNRIs versus SSRIs). When categorized as inpatients (n = 582) and outpatients (n = 1613), SNRIs had the highest remission rates (52.0% for 144 inpatients and 49.3% for 559 outpatients). SNRIs had lowest overall dropouts (26.1%), followed by SSRIs (28.4%), and TCAs (35.7%). Dropouts due to ADRs and LoE were 10.3% and 6.2% for SNRIs, 8.3% and 7.2% for SSRIs, and 19.8% and 9.9% for TCAs, respectively (p > 0.05 for ADR dropouts only). One limitation was the inclusion of only venlafaxine-XR; results may not be the same for immediate release forms. In addition, few studies reported remission rates. CONCLUSIONS: SNRIs had the highest efficacy remission rates (statistically significant for inpatients and outpatients), and the lowest overall dropout rates, suggesting clinical superiority in treating major depression.

Screening for glaucoma in Canada: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: To provide a recommendation on screening for glaucoma in Canada based on a review of recent evidence available in the literature. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed to identify publications from MEDLINE, EMBASE, HealthSTAR, and Cochrane databases from 1990 to 2005. Relevant articles were categorized as economic studies, epidemiologic and intervention studies, or policy papers. Web sites and publications from provincial, state, national, and international health authorities were reviewed for policy recommendations and guidelines. RESULTS: We identified 39 articles (34 epidemiology and intervention, and 5 economic studies) for the review. From the economic studies, 2 were simple cost analyses and 3 were full economic evaluations (cost-effectiveness). Gaps were observed from these economic studies, where incremental cost-effectiveness analyses of modelled screening programmes were not observed. A large number of alternatives (i.e., screening techniques) and diverse outcome measures were found in the 34 epidemiology and intervention studies. This shows that evidence on the effectiveness of glaucoma screening programmes is available to be used in future modelled analyses. Neutral recommendation made by the Canadian Task Force on Periodic Health Examination regarding glaucoma screening in Canada could be related to the lack of reliable data and models used in past cost-effectiveness analyses. INTERPRETATION: A need exists to reevaluate the cost-effectiveness of a screening programme for glaucoma in Canada with updated efficacy and cost data. Health and monetary benefits could be improved compared with current practice and decision-makers would have the best available data when reevaluating the policy on screening for glaucoma.

Association between corneal thickness, mean intraocular pressure, disease stability and severity, and cost of treatment in glaucoma: a Canadian analysis.

PURPOSE: We determined the association between the mean corneal thickness (CT) and visual field mean defect (VF) severity as well as with mean intraocular pressure (IOP), disease stability, and cost of glaucoma therapy in a Canadian setting. METHODS: Data were collected from charts of patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). CT measures, VF scores, IOP measurements, physicians' impressions, and resources used (physician visits, diagnostic tests, procedures, and medications) were recorded over a minimum of 2.5 years. CT was compared across the three VF severity levels [mild (0 to < 5 dB), moderate (5 to < 12 dB), and severe (>/= 12 dB)] using a Kruskall-Wallis test. Initial VF was regressed on Age, CT, IOP, and Optic Disc Ratio. Stability and Cost were regressed on IOP. RESULTS: Of the 411 charts, 132 included CT measures. Patients included 50 with mild, 43 with moderate, and 39 with severe disease. The mean CTs of the overall, mild, moderate, and severe groups were 545.9 mum, 554.7 mum, 549.8 mum, and 523.3 mum, respectively. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the CT pp of the mild and severe groups as well as between the moderate and severe groups. Regression analyses suggested that CT may be a predictor of disease severity, but not of cost. It was also found that IOP may be a predictor of disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe VFs tend to be those who have thinner corneas. Further research is warranted, as a result of the limited sample size, to clarify the definitive association among corneal thickness, disease progression, and the cost of therapy.

Economic evaluation of an extended acellular pertussis vaccine program for adolescents in Québec, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: Pertussis is a frequent cause of cough illness in adolescents. In Canada, immunization against pertussis in public programs has been restricted to children under 7 years of age. The purpose of this analysis was to estimate the health and economic impact of an additional booster dose of the acellular vaccine in adolescents in Québec. METHOD: We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis, based on a predictive spreadsheet dynamic model following a cohort of 90,929 adolescents in Québec from the age of 14 years over a 10-year period from the Québec Ministry of Health (MOH) and societal (SOC) perspectives. The model was used to compare costs (2003 values) and benefits of an adolescent vaccination program (AVP), including a diptheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (dTacp) vaccine administered at age 14 years, with current practice. RESULTS: From the MOH perspective, a booster vaccination of dTacp at age 14 years via the AVP would produce a yearly additional expected cost of Can dollars 1.06 per adolescent with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of Can dollars 480 per pertussis case avoided based on a 10-year period. When outcomes are discounted at 3%, the ICER rises to Can dollars 527 per discounted pertussis case avoided. From the SOC perspective, the AVP would cost Can dollars 0.83 per adolescent per year with an additional cost per avoided pertussis case of Can dollars 377 (Can dollars 414 per additional discounted case of pertussis avoided). Over the 10-year period, 2012 non-discounted cases of pertussis would be prevented with approximately two hospital admissions averted. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that administering a booster dose of dTacp at age 14 years to replace the diptheria and tetanus vaccination will slightly increase the economic burden from MOH and SOC perspectives; however, the number of pertussis cases and the number of hospital admissions will decrease.

Cost-effectiveness of treprostinil versus epoprostenol in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a Canadian analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, exerting a tremendous health and economic impact on patients. In the present study, an economic evaluation of patients with PAH treated with either treprostinil or epoprostenol was performed. METHODS: A cost-minimization analysis (a cost-effectiveness subtype) was performed under the assumption that treprostinil and epoprostenol were clinically equivalent. Two cohorts of 60 patients, treated with treprostinil or epoprostenol, were evaluated over three years by using a dynamic spreadsheet model. The evaluation included both the provincial ministries of health and societal perspectives. Resource valuation data for drugs, medical supplies, consultations, and surgical and diagnostic procedures were obtained from standard lists. Costs of hospitalizations and adverse events were derived from published sources. Additional outpatient costs were considered equivalent and, therefore, were excluded from the analysis. Costs are presented in 2003 Canadian dollars discounted at 3%. Sensitivity analyses were performed testing all uncertainties in the model. RESULTS: In the base-case analysis (over three years), treatment with treprostinil resulted in an expected savings of 2,610,642 US dollars and 2,781,438 US dollars from the ministries of health and societal perspectives, respectively. On a per-patient level, treatment with treprostinil resulted in an average annual savings of 14,504 US dollars and 15,452 US dollars, respectively. The greatest savings with treprostinil came from reduced hospitalizations. Multivariate sensitivity analyses estimated cost savings in greater than 99% of scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: By initiating and continuing treprostinil treatment over a three-year period, the economic burden associated with PAH may be reduced compared with epoprostenol treatment.

An examination of the effect of cytochrome P450 drug interactions of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors on health care utilization: a Canadian population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450-related drug interactions can lead to adverse effects that may affect health care resource utilization. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of drug interactions involving hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) on health care resource utilization. METHODS: Using the Manitoba Health Research database, we identified patients who had used statins between January 1, 1995, and March 31, 1998. New statin users (NSUs) were those who received a first prescription for a statin after April 30, 1995; old statin users (OSUs) were those who had a statin prescription before January 1, 1995. The number of hospitalizations, physician visits, and prescriptions, and their associated costs to the Manitoba health care system were calculated. Statin interacters were defined as users with >1 prescription for an interacting drug while receiving a statin. Interacting drugs were classified into 2 groups: group A included drugs whose levels increased as a result of the statin prescription; drugs in group B increased statin levels. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to analyze differences by statin on health care resource use. RESULTS: A total of 28,705 statin users (18, 181 NSUs and 10,524 OSUs) were identified. During the study period, 24,496 (85.3%) individuals took 1 statin, 3751 (13.1%) took 2 statins, and 458 (1.6%) took 3 to 5 statins. The most common coadministered group A interacting drugs were diclofenac (5.8%), amitriptyline (4.9%), warfarin (4.5%), and ibuprofen (1.8%). The most common group B interacting drugs were erythromycin (8.2%), omeprazole (5.5%), cimetidine (3.6%), and clarithromycin (3.5%). Statin interacters consumed significantly more health care resources than did noninteracters for both incident and prevalent analyses (P < 0.001). In the prevalent analysis (NSUs + OSUs), pravastatin users taking interacting drugs had significantly fewer hospitalizations (mean, 1.3), fewer physician visits (mean, 24.2), and lower health care costs (mean, 5,526 dollars) compared with prevalent users of lovastatin (1.7, 28.0, and 6,925 dollars, respectively) and fewer physician visits than simvastatin users (25.6, P < 0.001). In the incident analysis, pravastatin users had significantly less physician visits (20.8 vs 23.5, P < 0.001) and lower health care costs (4,739 dollars vs 6,323 dollars, P < 0.001) than lovastatin users. CONCLUSION: Pravastatin was associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and overall health care resource utilization in prevalent users than lovastatin, possibly due to a lack of drug interaction effects.

Relationship between daily dose frequency and adherence to antihypertensive pharmacotherapy: evidence from a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rates of patient adherence (compliance) to pharmacotherapy range from <5% to >90%. Negative determinants include multiple daily dosing (MDD), chronic duration, and asymptomatic disease. Reports suggest that once-daily (QD) dosing may improve adherence, but their findings are inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of adherence with QD, twice-daily (BID), and MDD antihypertensive drug regimens. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases were searched to identify comparative trials of patient adherence to antihypertensive medication in solid, oral formulations. Data were combined using a random-effects meta-analytic model. RESULTS: Eight studies involving a total of 11,485 observations were included (1,830 for QD dosing, 4405 for BID dosing, 4147 for dosing >2 times daily [>BID], and 9655 for MDD), in which the primary objective was to assess adherence. The average adherence rate for QD dosing (91.4%, SD = 2.2%) was significantly higher (Z = 4.46, P < 0.001) than for MDD (83.2%, SD = 3.5%). This rate was also significantly higher (Z = 2.22, P = 0.026) than for BID dosing (92.7% [SD = 2.3%] vs 87.1% [SD = 2.9%]). The difference in adherence rates between BID dosing (90.8%, SD = 4.7%) and >BID dosing (86.3%, SD = 6.7%) was not significant (Z = 1.82, P = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that with antihypertensive medications, QD dosing regimens are associated with higher rates of adherence than either BID or MDD regimens.

Association between mean intraocular pressure, disease stability and cost of treating glaucoma in Canada.

PURPOSE: A retrospective analysis determined the association between intraocular pressure (IOP) control levels (mean and last IOP) and disease stability, and the association between IOP and yearly treatment cost in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Data were collected from POAG patients, referred to a tertiary glaucoma clinic. All IOP measurements, visual field mean deviation (VF) scores, physicians' impressions, and resources used (physician visits, procedures, and medications) were recorded and costed using standard resource unit cost lists from the Ministry of Health's perspective. Patients were categorized by the average VF score of their first three visits [mild (< 5 dB), moderate (> or = 5 dB to < 12 dB) and severe (> or = 12 dB)]. Pearson's r quantified the association between IOP control levels and stability, where stability was defined by the physician's subjective impression of the patient's disease. Spearman's rho was determined to quantify association between mean IOP and yearly treatment cost within VF categories. RESULTS: Four hundred and eleven charts were reviewed of which 265 were acceptable for analysis. A negative relationship was determined between the probability of reaching stability and mean IOP in all three VF severity groups. Pearson's r was -0.68 (p < 0.001), -0.72 (p < 0.001), and -0.52 (p < 0.001) for the mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively. A similar correlation was determined between the last measured IOP and stability. Pearson's r was -0.49 (p < 0.001), -0.80 (p < 0.001), and -0.65 (p < 0.001) for the mild, moderate and severe groups, respectively. A positive relationship was reported between mean yearly costs and IOP. Spearman's rho between mean yearly costs and mean IOP was 0.11 (p = 0.28), 0.23 (p < 0.05), and 0.26 (p < 0.05) for each respective VF level. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Lower IOP control levels are associated with higher probabilities of stability. In addition, lower IOP control levels are associated with lower costs of managing POAG in patients either with moderate VF loss or with severe VF loss. Economic burden increased with increasing disease severity.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis of current evidence.

PURPOSE: To summarize success rates of the topical calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and pimecrolimus in treating atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing either drug to themselves (i.e. dose-ranging studies), each other, the vehicle (or placebo), or corticosteroids were obtained from Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Two reviewers identified studies and extracted data, a third reviewer adjudicated disagreements. Outcomes included success, as defined by 90%, 75%, or 50% reductions from baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores or equivalent at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and also the difference between drug and vehicle (placebo). Rates were combined using a random effects meta-analytic model. RESULTS: Of 180 articles identified, 165 were rejected (142 not RCTs/inappropriate outcome, 23 inappropriate/unextractable data). We included 15 articles reporting on 16 trials (nine tacrolimus and seven pimecrolimus trials) involving a total of 5301 patients, of whom 2107 received tacrolimus, 1225 received pimecrolimus and 1969 patients were controls. Tacrolimus reduced EASI scores by 65.6% at 1 month and 73.0% at 3 months; pimecrolimus reduced scores by 61.5% at 1 month, 60.3% at 6 months, and 61.9% at 12 months. When the difference in EASI score reductions were compared between active drug and placebo, tacrolimus success was 51.5% above placebo at 1 month and pimecrolimus was 45.9% higher at 1 month, 24.9% at 6 months, and 16.1% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Success rates for tacrolimus and pimecrolimus were statistically similar. However, tacrolimus rates were consistently higher numerically than those for pimecrolimus, and tacrolimus was used in patients with more severe disease. A head-to-head RCT is required to determine if true differences exist between these drugs.

Cost analysis of ropinirole versus levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Not all patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) respond to levodopa and others develop dyskinesias. Ropinirole, a dopamine agonist, is associated with fewer dyskinesias than levodopa. OBJECTIVE: To examine the economic impact of reducing dyskinesias using ropinirole instead of levodopa plus benserazide in PD was examined. The research question addressed was: is the added cost of ropinirole offset by savings due to avoided cases of dyskinesia? METHODS: A cost-minimisation analysis was performed from both the societal and Ministry of Health (MoH) of Ontario, Canada perspectives, using 5-year data from a study of dyskinesia outcomes comparing ropinirole with levodopa plus benserazide. A predictive model was developed to capture resource utilisation over 5 years, such as medication costs, medical consultations, hospital admissions, nursing home admissions, caregiver time and productivity loss. The model was based on a previously reported clinical trial which determined dyskinesia rates to be 20% for ropinirole and 45% for levodopa. Standard costing lists were used, and costs were discounted at various rates. Constant 1999 Canadian dollars ($Can) were applied, and no increases were assumed over the time horizon of the analysis. A multivariate sensitivity analysis with changes in key parameters was also performed. RESULTS: From a societal perspective, ropinirole was cost saving. From the MoH perspective, the analysis yielded an incremental expected daily cost/patient of $Can4.41 for substituting levodopa plus benserazide with ropinirole. Ropinirole resulted in daily savings/patient of $Can0.17 in non-drug healthcare costs. In the sensitivity analysis, the direction of results did not change despite changes of 15 to 20% in key parameters, suggesting robustness of the model. CONCLUSIONS: From the societal perspective, in comparison with levodopa plus benserazide, the added cost of ropinirole is offset by savings due to avoided cases of dyskinesia.

Cost of glaucoma in Canada: analyses based on visual field and physician's assessment.

PURPOSE: A longitudinal, retrospective study investigated the cost of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Patient files from two tertiary care glaucoma practices were reviewed. Patients diagnosed with POAG and >/=2.5 years of follow-up data were included. Data collected included visual field mean deviation, physician's assessment, and resource utilization (physician visits, procedures, and medications). Costs, reported in 2001 Canadian dollars, were compared between groups, based on initial visual field mean deviation, including mild (<5 dB), moderate (5 to <12 dB), and severe (>/=12 dB), and based on physician's assessment, including controlled, uncontrolled, or patients initially uncontrolled for 12 months who become controlled. RESULTS: Of 411 patient charts extracted, 265 were included; 35 were excluded for ocular comorbidities and 111 patients with insufficient follow-up. Mean (standard deviation) yearly costs overall (N = 265) and for mild (n = 90), moderate (n = 91), and severe (n = 84) groups were $508 ($278), $408 ($266), $512 ($288), and $609 ($243), respectively. Differences between mean yearly costs were statistically significant for all three groups (P < 0.05). Costs for controlled (n = 110), uncontrolled (n = 76), and uncontrolled then controlled group (n = 79) were $423 ($243), $594 ($314), and $542 ($256), respectively. The controlled group cost was significantly lower than both of the other groups (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The cost of treating POAG increases with visual field mean deviation severity and uncontrolled disease. Many patients diagnosed with glaucoma had already progressed to later stages in the disease process. Early disease detection may provide a substantial cost savings to the health care system.

Budget impact analysis of the use of oral and intravenous anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Two anti-cancer drugs are currently approved for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC): trastuzumab-based therapy (TBT) administered intravenously as first line therapy until disease progression and lapatinib, an oral self-administered dual therapy with capecitabine (L+C) as second intention for patients who continue to progress despite TBT. In current practice, TBT is still prescribed beyond disease progression. In addition to medical reasons, the difficulty to switch eligible patients to oral drugs may also be explained by economic reasons. Thus, we aimed at comparing the budgetary impact of TBT and L+C for progressing HER2+MBC after TBT from the French Health Insurance perspective. METHODS: A budget impact analysis was performed on a 3-year time horizon (2012-2014) to simulate a dynamic cohort of 4182 HER2-positive patients with a progressing MBC treated with TBT (73%) and L + C (27%). The model was adjusted on progression-free survival (PFS). Office visits, clinical evaluations, drug acquisition, administration costs, and transportation costs obtained from the literature and published databases were considered. RESULTS: In the base case analysis (2012), the annual treatment cost per patient for TBT (€36,077) was 2-times higher than that of L + C (€17,165). Using L + C for all patients (n = 4182) would avoid €34.8 million of drug administration and transportation costs. Hospital costs represented 1% vs 88%, while community costs represented 99% vs 12% of L + C and TBT treatment costs, respectively. The lack of direct comparison PFS and treatment dosage modification data were the main limitations. However, no major changes from baseline results were observed from sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a slightly higher acquisition cost, the treatment cost of L + C remains lower than that of TBT, and it is the only approved anti-HER2 treatment for HER2-positive patients with progressing MBC. Based on this, it seems important to consider the potential savings for Health Insurance with the use of oral drug due to the reduction of outpatient hospitalizations. Such reductions may result in a subsequent budget reduction for hospitals, but may also provide those facing acute medical activity with opportunities to better manage other diseases whose treatment cannot be externalized.

Economic evaluation of a 100% whey-based partially hydrolyzed infant formula in the prevention of atopic dermatitis among Swiss children.

OBJECTIVE: A pharmacoeconomic analysis was undertaken to determine costs, consequences, and cost-effectiveness of a partially hydrolyzed 100% whey-based infant formula, NAN-HA®, manufactured by Nestlé S.A, Switzerland (PHF-W), branded under BEBA HA® in Switzerland, in the prevention of atopic dermatitis (AD) in 'at risk' Swiss children when compared to standard cow's milk formula (SF). METHODS: Based on a 12-month time horizon including 6 months of formula consumption, an economic model was developed synthesizing treatment pathways, resource utilization, and costs associated with the treatment of AD in healthy 'at risk' Swiss newborns who could not be exclusively breastfed. Model inputs were retrieved from the literature, official formularies, and expert opinion. The treatment pathways considered a medical treatment approach, supplemented in some instances by a change of formula. The final outcome was the expected cost per avoided case of AD, yielding an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) for PHF-W vs SF. Outcomes were presented from three perspectives: the Swiss public healthcare system (MOH), the subject's family, and society (SOC). A secondary analysis compared PHF-W to whey-based extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF) in prevention. RESULTS: The model yielded 1653 avoided AD cases by selecting PHF-W over SF in a birth cohort of 22,933 'at risk' infants. The base case analyses generated an expected ICER of CHF 982 from the MOH perspective as well as savings of CHF 2202 and CHF 1220 from the family and SOC perspectives, respectively. PHF-W yielded CHF 11.4M savings against EHF when the latter was assumed to be used in prevention. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the model. CONCLUSION: Under a range of assumptions, this analysis has established the dominance from the family and societal perspectives and cost-effectiveness from the MOH perspective of PHF-W vs SF in the prevention of AD among 'at risk' Swiss infants.