Cost-Utility Analysis of Thumb Carpometacarpal Resection Arthroplasty: A Health Economic Study Using Real-World Data.

PURPOSE: Knowledge about the costs and benefits of hand surgical interventions is important for surgeons, payers, and policy makers. Little is known about the cost-effectiveness of surgery for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to examine patients' quality of life and economic costs, with focus on the cost-utility ratio 1 year after surgery for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis compared with that for continued nonsurgical management. METHODS: Patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis indicated for resection arthroplasty were included in a prospective study. The quality of life (using European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-5 Level), direct medical costs, and productivity losses were assessed up to 1 year after surgery. Baseline data at recruitment and costs sustained over 1 year before surgery served as a proxy for nonsurgical management. The total costs to gain 1 extra quality-adjusted life year and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated from a health care system and a societal perspective. RESULTS: The mean European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-5 Level value for 151 included patients improved significantly from 0.69 to 0.88 (after surgery). The productivity loss during the preoperative period was 47% for 49 working patients, which decreased to 26% 1 year after surgery. The total costs increased from US $20,451 in the preoperative year to US $24,374 in the postoperative year. This resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US $25,370 per quality-adjusted life year for surgery compared with that for simulated nonsurgical management. CONCLUSIONS: The calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was clearly below the suggested Swiss threshold of US $92,000, indicating that thumb carpometacarpal surgery is a cost-effective intervention. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and Decision Analyses II.

Cost-utility analysis of total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective health economic study using real-world data.

BACKGROUND: With increasing health care expenditures, knowledge about the benefit and costs of surgical interventions such as total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) becomes important for orthopedic surgeons, social insurance programs, and health policy decision makers. We examined the impact of TSA on quality of life (QOL), direct medical costs, and productivity losses and evaluated the cost-utility ratio of TSA compared with ongoing nonoperative management using real-world data. METHODS: Patients with shoulder osteoarthritis and/or rotator cuff tear arthropathy indicated for anatomic or reverse TSA were included in this prospective study. QOL (European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5-Level questionnaire) and shoulder function (Constant score; Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; and Subjective Shoulder Value) were assessed preoperatively and up to 2 years postoperatively. Health insurance companies provided all-diagnosis direct medical costs for 2018 in Swiss francs (CHF), where 1 CHF was equivalent to US $1.02. Indirect costs were assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire. Baseline data at recruitment and the total costs of the preoperative year served as a proxy for nonoperative management. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated as the total costs to gain 1 extra quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) based on both the health care system perspective and societal perspective. The relationship between QOL and shoulder function was assessed by regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean preoperative utility index for the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5-Level questionnaire of 0.68 for a total of 150 patients (mean age, 71 years; 21% working; 58% women) increased to 0.89 and 0.87 at 1 and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. Mean direct medical costs were 11,771 CHF (preoperatively), 34,176 CHF (1 year postoperatively), and 11,763 CHF (2 years postoperatively). The ICER was 63,299 CHF/QALY (95% confidence interval, 44,391-82,206 CHF/QALY). The mean productivity losses for 29 working patients decreased from 40,574 CHF per patient (preoperatively) to 26,114 CHF at 1 year postoperatively and 10,310 CHF at 2 years postoperatively. When considering these productivity losses, the ICER was 35,549 CHF/QALY (95% confidence interval, 12,076-59,016 CHF/QALY). QOL was significantly associated with shoulder function (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Using real-world direct medical cost data, we calculated a cost-utility ratio of 63,299 CHF/QALY for TSA in Switzerland, which clearly falls below the often-suggested 100,000-CHF/QALY threshold for acceptable cost-effectiveness. In view of productivity losses, TSA becomes highly cost-effective with an ICER of 35,546 CHF/QALY.

What physical activity surveillance needs: validity of a single-item questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Self-report instruments to assess physical activity are still the most feasible option in many population-wide surveys, and often need to be very short owing to resource constraints. The aim of this study was to test the criterion validity of a single-item physical activity measure using accelerometers and to compare its measurement properties by gender, age group (including older adults) and language region. METHODS: A validation study was carried out within the second follow-up of a large Swiss cohort study (Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Disease in Adults, SAPALDIA, n=208) and included an additional convenient sample (n=110). Participants wore an accelerometer over eight consecutive days and then completed the single-item measure. Spearman's rank-order correlations were used to assess the criterion validity. RESULTS: Physical activity levels were higher in men, younger individuals and those from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Correlation coefficients for the number of days with at least 30 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity according to the single item and different accelerometer activity outcomes ranged from 0.40 to 0.54. Correlations were higher for women, younger individuals and participants from the French-speaking and the Italian-speaking parts. CONCLUSIONS: The single-item physical activity measure performed at least as well as other physical activity questionnaires. The differences in criterion validity between sub groups indicate that factors such as gender and age should be taken into account when developing physical activity questionnaires and in future validation studies.

Suppressing the morning rise in cortisol impairs free recall.

Elevated glucocorticoid levels impair memory retrieval. We investigated whether retrieval under naturally elevated glucocorticoid levels, i.e., during the morning rise in cortisol can be improved by suppressing cortisol. In a crossover study 16 men retrieved emotional and neutral texts and pictures (learned 3 d earlier) 30 min after morning awakening, following administration of the cortisol synthesis inhibitor metyrapone or placebo. Unexpectedly, the metyrapone-induced cortisol suppression significantly impaired free recall of both materials. Recognition remained unaffected. Thus, not only high, but also very low glucocorticoid levels impair retrieval, with the latter effect possibly reflecting insufficient occupation of hippocampal/amygdalar mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs).

Cost-Utility Analysis of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Health Economic Study Using Real-World Data.

PURPOSE: To assess the change in quality of life (QOL) and costs for patients with rotator cuff tears after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (aRCR) compared with continued nonoperative management, using real-world evidence. METHODS: Patients indicated for aRCR were included in a prospective study and followed up to 2 years after surgery (postop) for all measurements. QOL (EQ-5D-5L) and shoulder function (Constant Score, Oxford Shoulder Score, subjective shoulder value) were assessed. Sixteen major insurance companies provided all-diagnoses direct medical costs in Swiss francs (CHF; 1 CHF = 1.03 USD). Baseline data at recruitment and costs sustained over 1 year before surgery (preop) served as a proxy for nonoperative management. Total direct medical costs to gain 1 extra quality-adjusted life year (QALY) were calculated as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER; mean of 2 years postop compared with 1 year preop) from a societal perspective. Subgroup analyses were separately performed for traumatic (trauma-OP) and degenerative (degen-OP) rotator cuff tear patients. Sensitivity analyses for aRCR patients included more intensive nonoperative treatment with corresponding QOL gain. The relationship between QOL and shoulder function was explored using regression analysis. RESULTS: For 153 aRCR patients (mean age 57 years; 63% male), the mean EQ-5D index improved from 0.71 (preop) to 0.94 (1 year postop) and 0.96 (2 years postop). Mean total costs increased from 5,499 CHF (preop) to 17,116 CHF (1 year postop), then decreased to 4,226 CHF (2 years postop). The ICER for all aRCR patients was 24,924 CHF/QALY (95% confidence interval [CI] 16,742 to 33,106) and 17,357 CHF/QALY (95% CI 10,951 to 23,763) and 36,474 CHF/QALY (95% CI 16,301 to 56,648) for the trauma-OP and degen-OP groups, respectively. QOL and shoulder function were significantly associated (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: For RC patients treated at a specialized Swiss orthopaedic clinic, aRCR is a cost-effective intervention associated with clinically relevant improvement in QOL up to 2 years after repair compared with prior nonoperative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Analyses - Developing an Economic Model, Level II.

Impact of osteosynthesis in fracture care: a cost comparison study.

Aim: To estimate the health economic impact of osteosynthesis (OS) in fracture care over six decades in 17 high-income countries. Patients & methods: Applying a decision tree model, we assumed a hypothetical absence of OS and compared OS (intervention) with conservative treatment (CONS; comparator). We included patients with femur, tibia and radius fractures (age <65 years) and for proximal femur fractures also elderly patients (≥70 years). Results: We estimated savings in direct and indirect costs of 855 billion Swiss francs in the working age population in addition to 4.6 million years of life gained. In the elderly population, 69 billion Swiss francs were saved in direct costs of proximal femur fractures in addition to 73 million years of life gained. Conclusion: OS contributed to maximize health gains of society.

Health effects of micronutrient fortified dairy products and cereal food for children and adolescents: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Micronutrient (MN) deficiencies cause a considerable burden of disease for children in many countries. Dairy products or cereals are an important food component during adolescence. Fortification of dairy products or cereals with MN may be an effective strategy to overcome MN deficiencies, but their specific impact on health in this age group is poorly documented. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (registration number CRD42016039554) to assess the impact of MN fortified dairy products and cereal food on the health of children and adolescents (aged 5-15 years) compared with non-fortified food. We reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCT) using electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library; latest search: January 2018), reference list screening and citation searches. Three pairs of reviewers assessed 2048 studies for eligibility and extracted data. We assessed the risk of bias and applied GRADE to rate quality of evidence. RESULTS: We included 24 RCT (often multi MN fortification) with 30 pair-wise comparisons mainly from low- and middle income countries. A very small and non-significant increase of haemoglobin values emerged (0.09 g/dl [95%-CI: -0.01 to 0.18]; 13 RCT with iron fortification; very low quality of evidence). No significant difference was found on anaemia risk (risk ratio 0.87 [95%-CI: 0.76 to 1.01]; 12 RCT; very low quality), but a significant difference in iron deficiency anaemia favouring fortified food was found (risk ratio 0.38 [95%-CI: 0.18 to 0.81]; 5 RCT; very low quality). Similar effects were seen for fortified dairy products and cereals and different fortification strategies (mono- vs. dual- vs. multi-MN). Follow-up periods were often short and the impact on anthropometric measures was weak (low quality of evidence) Very low quality of evidence emerged for the improvement of cognitive performance, functional measures and morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Fortification of dairy products and cereal food had only marginal health effects in our sample population from 5-15 years. Further evidence is needed to better understand the health impact of fortified dairy products and cereals in this age group. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 26 May 2016 (registration number CRD42016039554).

The impact of the AO Foundation on fracture care: An evaluation of 60 years AO Foundation.

OBJECTIVES: Sixty years ago, the Association of Osteosynthesis (AO) was founded with the aim to improve fracture treatment and has since grown into one of the largest medical associations worldwide. Aim of this study was to evaluate AO's impact on science, education, patient care and the MedTech business. DESIGN/METHODS: Impact evaluations were conducted as appropriate for the individual domains: Impact on science was measured by analyzing citation frequencies of publications promoted by AO. Impact on education was evaluated by analyzing the evolution of number and location of AO courses. Impact on patient care was evaluated with a health economic model analyzing cost changes and years of life gained through the introduction of osteosynthesis in 17 high-income countries (HICs). Impact on MedTech business was evaluated by analyzing sales data of AO-associated products. RESULTS: Thirty-five AO papers and 2 major AO textbooks are cited at remarkable frequencies in high ranking journals with up to 2000 citations/year. The number of AO courses steadily increased with a total of 645'000 participants, 20'000 teaching days and 2'500 volunteer faculty members so far. The introduction of osteosynthesis saved at least 925 billion Swiss Francs [CHF] in the 17 HICs analyzed and had an impact on avoiding premature deaths comparable to the use of antihypertensive drugs. AO-associated products generated sales of 55 billion CHF. CONCLUSION: AO's impact on science, education, patient care, and the MedTech business was significant because AO addressed hitherto unmet needs by combining activities that mutually enriched and reinforced each other.

Validation of the long international physical activity questionnaire: Influence of age and language region.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the influence of age, gender and language on the measurement properties of the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The aim was to validate the long IPAQ in adults aged 18-84 in the German-, French- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland, focusing on differences between gender, age groups and language regions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the frame of SAPALDIA (Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Disease in Adults) in 2011. 346 participants (54.6% women, mean age 54.6 years) wore an Actigraph GT3X accelerometer during 8 days and completed the IPAQ. IPAQ and accelerometer data on total physical activity and on different intensities as well as sitting time were compared using Spearman correlations and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Correlations were highest for vigorous physical activity (r = 0.41) and sitting time (r = 0.42). Significant gender differences were apparent for leisure-time physical activity (men: r = 0.35 versus women: r = 0.57, p = 0.012) and for sitting time (men: r = 0.28 versus women: r = 0.53, p = 0.007). Differences between age groups were present for sitting time (youngest: r = 0.72 versus middle: r = 0.36, p < 0.001; youngest versus oldest: r = 0.34, p = 0.001). Differences between language regions were present for vigorous physical activity (German: r = 0.28 versus Italian: r = 0.53, p = 0.033). IPAQ overestimated physical activity but underestimated sitting time. CONCLUSION: The long IPAQ showed moderate validity similar to other studies when compared to accelerometer data in a diverse sample of individuals. Some sex, age and regional differences were observed but do not seem to limit its applicability in population sub groups.

Associations between domains of physical activity, sitting time, and different measures of overweight and obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To describe 1) cross-sectional associations between domain-specific physical activity, sitting time and different measures of overweight/obesity and 2) longitudinal associations between patterns of change in physical activity and overweight/obesity ten years later. METHODS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses based on the first and second follow-up of the Swiss cohort study SAPALDIA (SAP) were conducted (SAP2 in 2002/03, SAP3 in 2010/11). Physical activity was assessed by self-report using the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and four short questions regarding moderate and vigorous activities. Overweight/obesity were defined based on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and percent body fat based on bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), all measured objectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used for analyses. RESULTS: Cross-sectionally, leisure-time and vigorous physical activity were inversely associated with all obesity parameters. Most consistent associations were found with BIA percent body fat. There were no associations between work-related and domestic activities and overweight/obesity. Sitting time was positively associated with BIA percent body fat, but not with BMI, WHR and WHtR. Longitudinally, remaining inactive from SAP2 to SAP3 was associated with obesity and BIA percent body fat at SAP3 and with weight increase, becoming inactive with BIA percent body fat and weight increase. CONCLUSIONS: The results support associations between physical activity and overweight/obesity cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Most consistent associations were found for BIA percent body fat. For prevention purposes, the results indicate that physical activity can have an important contribution to weight management.

Effects of filter choice in GT3X accelerometer assessments of free-living activity.

PURPOSE: ActiGraph accelerometers are widely used devices to objectively assess physical activity. The GT3X version has two filter options to be selected before data assessment (normal and low-frequency extension filter option). It is not clear whether the resulting physical activity levels differ depending on the choice of the filter. The aims were to compare GT3X data collected using the different filter options during free-living activities and to establish correction factors if the results were not comparable. METHODS: Sixty-five participants of the population-based SAPALDIA-cohort (50.8% women, age range = 40-80 yr) wore two GT3X accelerometers with different filter selections simultaneously during 8 d. Spearman correlations, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, McNemar tests, scatter plots, and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the data. Correction factors were established using linear regression models. RESULTS: Although Spearman correlations were high (r ≥ 0.93), there were significant differences in minutes per day between filter options for nonwearing time and time spent in sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (all P < 0.001), with more remarkable differences in the lower range of activity (sedentary and light activities). Mean counts per minute and steps per day were significantly higher using the low-frequency extension filter (P < 0.001). Most differences could be resolved using the correction factors. CONCLUSIONS: The observed differences are especially important when research is focusing on sedentary and light activities. In future studies, it is important to carefully evaluate the suitable filter option and to specify the filter choice in publications. The correction factors can be used to make data assessed using the low-frequency extension filter comparable to data assessed using the normal filter option.

Improved air quality and attenuated lung function decline: modification by obesity in the SAPALDIA cohort.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution and obesity are hypothesized to contribute to accelerated decline in lung function with age through their inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether the previously reported association between improved air quality and lung health in the population-based SAPALDIA cohort is modified by obesity. METHODS: We used adjusted mixed-model analyses to estimate the association of average body mass index (BMI) and changes in particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM10; ΔPM10) with lung function decline over a 10-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Lung function data and complete information were available for 4,664 participants. Age-related declines in lung function among participants with high average BMI were more rapid for FVC (forced vital capacity), but slower for FEV1/FVC (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/FVC) and FEF25-75 (forced expiratory flow at 25-75%) than declines among those with low or normal average BMI. Improved air quality was associated with attenuated reductions in FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75, and FEF25-75/FVC over time among low- and normal-BMI participants, but not overweight or obese participants. The attenuation was most pronounced for ΔFEF25-75/FVC (30% and 22% attenuation in association with a 10-µg/m3 decrease in PM10 among low- and normal-weight participants, respectively.) CONCLUSION: Our results point to the importance of considering health effects of air pollution exposure and obesity in parallel. Further research must address the mechanisms underlying the observed interaction.