Expanding Access to High KDPI Kidney Transplant for Recipients Aged 60 y and Older: Cost Utility and Survival.

Background: Modern organ allocation systems are tasked with equitably maximizing the utility of transplanted organs. Increasing the use of deceased donor organs at risk of discard may be a cost-effective strategy to improve overall transplant benefit. We determined the survival implications and cost utility of increasing the use of marginal kidneys in an older adult Canadian population of patients with end-stage kidney disease. Methods: We constructed a cost-utility model with microsimulation from the perspective of the Canadian single-payer health system for incident transplant waitlisted patients aged 60 y and older. A kidney donor profile index score of ≥86 was considered a marginal kidney. Donor- and recipient-level characteristics encompassed in the kidney donor profile index and estimated posttransplant survival scores were used to derive survival posttransplant. Patients were followed up for 10 y from the date of waitlist initiation. Our analysis compared the routine use of marginal kidneys (marginal kidney scenario) with the current practice of limited use (status quo scenario). Results: The 10-y mean cost and quality-adjusted life-years per patient in the marginal kidney scenario were estimated at $379 485.33 (SD: $156 872.49) and 4.77 (SD: 1.87). In the status quo scenario, the mean cost and quality-adjusted life-years per patient were $402 937.68 (SD: $168 508.85) and 4.37 (SD: 1.87); thus, the intervention was considered dominant. At 10 y, 62.8% and 57.0% of the respective cohorts in the marginal kidney and status quo scenarios remained alive. Conclusions: Increasing the use of marginal kidneys in patients with end-stage kidney disease aged 60 y and older may offer cost savings, improved quality of life, and greater patient survival in comparison with usual care.

Association of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation With High Health Care Costs.

Introduction: The Kidney Failure Risk Equations (KFRE) are accurate and validated to predict the risk of kidney failure in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but their potential to predict health care costs in the US health care system is unknown. We assessed the association of kidney failure risk from the 4-variable and 8-variable 2-year KFRE models with monthly health care costs in US patients with CKD stages G3 and G4. Methods: This was an ancillary study to a larger observational, retrospective cohort study examining the association between serum bicarbonate and adverse kidney outcomes. Monthly medical costs were calculated from individual health care insurance claims. Generalized linear regression models were used to examine the association of KFRE score with health care costs. Results: A total of 1721 patients qualified for the study (1475 and 246 with CKD stages G3 and G4, respectively). For 8-variable KFRE, each 1% (absolute) increase in risk was associated with 13.5% (P < 0.001) and 4.1% (P < 0.001) higher monthly costs for patients with CKD stage G3 and G4, respectively. For 4-variable KFRE, a 1% increase in risk was associated with 6.7% (P = 0.016) and 2.9% (P= 0.014) increase in monthly costs for patients with CKD stage G3 and G4, respectively. Conclusion: Higher risks of kidney failure as predicted by the 4-variable or 8-variable KFRE were associated with higher 2-year medical costs for patients with CKD stages G3 and G4. The KFRE may be a useful tool to anticipate medical costs and target cost-reducing interventions for patients at risk of kidney failure.

Cost of the quanta SC+ hemodialysis system for self-care in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: New personal hemodialysis systems, such as the quanta SC+, are being developed; these systems are smaller and simpler to use while providing the clearances of conventional systems. Increasing the uptake of lower-intensity assistance and full self-care dialysis may provide economic benefits to the public health payer. In the United Kingdom, most hemodialysis patients currently receive facility-based dialysis costing more than £36,350 per year including patient transport. As such, we aimed to describe the annual costs of using the SC+ hemodialysis system in the United Kingdom for 3×-weekly and 3.5×-weekly dialysis regimens, for self-care hemodialysis provided both in-center and at home. METHODS: We applied a cost minimization approach. Costs for human resources, equipment, and consumables were sourced from the dialysis machine developer (Quanta Dialysis Technologies) based upon discussions with dialysis providers. Facility overhead expenses and transport costs were taken from a review of the literature. FINDINGS: Annual costs associated with the use of the SC+ hemodialysis system were estimated to be £26,642 for hemodialysis provided 3× weekly as home self-care; £30,235 for hemodialysis provided 3× weekly as self-care in-center; £29,866 for hemodialysis provided 3.5× weekly as home self-care; and £36,185 for hemodialysis provided 3.5× weekly as self-care in-center. DISCUSSION: We found that the SC+ hemodialysis system offers improved cost-effectiveness for both 3×-weekly and 3.5×-weekly self-care dialysis performed at home or as self-care in-center versus fully assisted dialysis provided 3× weekly with conventional machines in facilities.

Kidney Failure Risk Equation and Cost of Care in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with CKD exhibit heterogeneity in their rates of progression to kidney failure. The kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) has been shown to accurately estimate progression to kidney failure in adults with CKD. Our objective was to determine health care utilization patterns of patients on the basis of their risk of progression. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with CKD and eGFR of 15-59 ml/min per 1.73 m2 enrolled in multidisciplinary CKD clinics in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Data were collected from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2012 and followed for 5 years (December 31, 2017). We stratified patients by eGFR and risk of progression and compared the number and cost of hospital admissions, physician visits, and prescription drugs. RESULTS: In total, 1003 adults were included in the study. Within the eGFR of 15-29 ml/min per 1.73 m2 group, the costs of hospital admissions, physician visits, and drug dispensations over the 5-year study period comparing high-risk patients with low-risk patients were (Canadian dollars) $89,265 versus $48,374 (P=0.008), $23,423 versus $11,231 (P<0.001), and $21,853 versus $16,757 (P=0.01), respectively. Within the eGFR of 30-59 ml/min per 1.73 m2 group, the costs of hospital admissions, physician visits, and prescription drugs were $55,944 versus $36,740 (P=0.10), $13,414 versus $10,370 (P=0.08), and $20,394 versus $14,902 (P=0.02) in high-risk patients in comparison with low-risk patients, respectively, for progression to kidney failure. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CKD and eGFR of 15-59 ml/min per 1.73 m2 followed in multidisciplinary clinics, the costs of hospital admissions, physician visits, and drugs were higher for patients at higher risk of progression to kidney failure by the KFRE compared with patients in the low-risk category. The high-risk group of patients with CKD and eGFR of 15-29 ml/min per 1.73 m2 had stronger association with hospitalizations costs, physician visits, and drug utilizations.

Costs of Assisted Home Dialysis: A Single-Payer Canadian Model From Manitoba.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of kidney failure is increasing globally. Most of these patients will require life-sustaining dialysis at a substantial cost to the health care system. Assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD) and assisted home hemodialysis (HD) are potential alternatives to in-center HD and have demonstrated equivalent outcomes with respect to mortality and morbidity. We aim to describe the costs associated with assisted continuous cycling PD (CCPD) and assisted home HD. STUDY DESIGN: Cost minimization model. SETTING & POPULATION: Adult incident maintenance dialysis patients in Manitoba, Canada. INTERVENTION: Full- and partial-assist home HD and CCPD. Full-assist modalities were defined as nurse-assisted dialysis setup and takedown performed by a health care aide, whereas partial-assist modalities only included nurse-assisted setup. Additionally, full-assist home HD was evaluated under a complete care scenario with the inclusion of a health care aide remaining with the patient throughout the duration of treatment. OUTCOMES: Annual per-patient maintenance and training costs related to assisted and self-care home HD and CCPD, presented in 2019 Canadian dollars. MODEL PERSPECTIVE & TIME FRAME: This model took the perspective of the Canadian public health payer using a 1-year time frame. RESULTS: Annual total per-patient maintenance (and training) costs by modality were the following: full-assist CCPD, $75.717 (initial training costs, $301); partial-assist CCPD, $67,765 ($4,385); full-assist home HD, $47,862 ($301); partial-assist home HD, $44,650 ($14,813); and full-assist home HD (complete care), $64,659 ($301). LIMITATIONS: This model did not account for costs taken from the societal perspective or costs related to PD failure and modality switching. Additionally, this analysis reflects only costs experienced by a single center. CONCLUSIONS: Assisted home-based dialysis modalities are viable treatment options for patients from a cost perspective. Future studies to consider graduation rates to full self-care from assisted dialysis and the cost implications of respite care are needed.

The Association between Income Status and Treatment Selection for Prostate Cancer in a Universal Health Care System: A Population-Based Analysis.

PURPOSE: Treatment selection for localized prostate cancer is guided by risk stratification and patient preferences. While socioeconomic status (SES) disparities exist for access to care, less is known about the effect of SES on treatment decision-making. We sought to evaluate whether income status was associated with the treatment selected (radical prostatectomy [RP] vs radiation therapy [RT]) for nonmetastatic prostate cancer in a universal health care system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All men from Manitoba, Canada who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer between 2005 and 2016 and subsequently treated with RP or RT were identified using a provincial cancer database. SES was defined as neighborhood income by postal code and divided into income quintiles (Q1-Q5, with Q1 the lowest quintile and Q5 the highest). Multivariable logistic regression nested models were used to compare whether SES was associated with treatment type received. RESULTS: We identified 3,966 individuals who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer and were treated with RP (2,354) or RT (1,612). After adjusting for demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, as income quintile increased, men were incrementally more likely to undergo RP than RT (range Q2 vs Q1: adjusted OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.93; Q5 vs Q1: adjusted OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.70-3.12). CONCLUSIONS: As income levels increased there was a stepwise incremental increase in the odds of receiving RP over RT for localized prostate cancer. These results may inform initiatives to better understand the values, priorities and barriers that patients experience when making treatment decisions in a universal health care system.

Strategies to prevent hospital readmission and death in patients with chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Readmission following hospital discharge is common and is a major financial burden on healthcare systems. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to 1) identify studies describing post-discharge interventions and their efficacy with respect to reducing risk of mortality and rate of hospital readmission; and 2) identify intervention characteristics associated with efficacy. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and CINAHL. Our selection criteria included randomized controlled trials comparing post-discharge interventions with usual care on rates of hospital readmission and mortality in high-risk chronic disease patient populations. We used random effects meta-analyses to estimate pooled risk ratios for all-cause and cause-specific mortality as well as all-cause and cause-specific hospitalization. RESULTS: We included 31 randomized controlled trials encompassing 9654 patients (24 studies in CHF, 4 in COPD, 1 in both CHF and COPD, 1 in CKD and 1 in an undifferentiated population). Meta-analysis showed post-discharge interventions reduced cause-specific (RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.63-0.80) and all cause (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81-0.99) hospitalization, all-cause (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65-0.83) and cause-specific mortality (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54-0.84) in CHF studies, and all-cause hospitalization (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32-0.83) in COPD studies. The inclusion of a cardiac nurse in the multidisciplinary team was associated with greater efficacy in reducing all-cause mortality among patients discharged after heart failure admission (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.54-0.75 vs. HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.73-1.03). CONCLUSIONS: Post-discharge interventions reduced all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, and cause-specific hospitalization in CHF patients and all-cause hospitalization in COPD patients. The presence of a cardiac nurse was associated with greater efficacy in included studies. Additional research is needed on the impact of post-discharge intervention strategies in COPD and CKD patients.

Cost-Utility of Dialysis in Canada: Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, and Nondialysis Treatment of Kidney Failure.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The kidney failure population is growing, necessitating the expansion of dialysis programs. These programs are costly and require a substantial amount of health care resources. Tools that accurately forecast resource use can aid efficient allocation. The objective of this study is to describe the development of an economic simulation model that incorporates treatment history and detailed modality transitions for patients with kidney disease using real-world data to estimate associated costs, utility, and survival by initiating modality. STUDY DESIGN: Cost-utility model with microsimulation. SETTING & POPULATION: Adult incident maintenance dialysis patients in Canada who initiated facility-based hemodialysis (HD) or home peritoneal dialysis (PD) between 2004 and 2013. INTERVENTION: HD and PD. OUTCOMES: Costs (related to dialysis, transplantation, infections, and hospitalizations), survival, utility, and dialysis modality mix over time. MODEL PERSPECTIVE & TIMEFRAME: The model took the perspective of the health care payer. Patients were followed up for 10 years from initiation of dialysis. Our cost-utility analysis compared the intervention with receiving no treatment. RESULTS: During a 10-year time horizon, the cost-utility ratio for all patients initiating dialysis was $103,779 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) in comparison to no treatment. Patients who initiated with facility-based HD were treated at a cost-utility ratio of $104,880/QALY and patients who initiated with home PD were treated at a cost-utility ratio of $83,762/QALY. During this time horizon, the total mean cost and QALYs per patient were estimated at $350,774 ± $204,704 and 3.38 ± 2.05) QALYs respectively. LIMITATIONS: The results do not include costs from the societal perspective. Rare patient trajectories were unable to be assessed. CONCLUSIONS: This model demonstrates that patients who initiated dialysis with PD were treated more cost-effectively than those who initiated with HD during a 10-year time horizon.

A Cost-Minimization Analysis of Nurse-Led Virtual Case Management in Late-Stage CKD.

INTRODUCTION: Interventions are needed to improve early detection of indications for dialysis before development of severe symptoms or complications. This may reduce suboptimal dialysis starts, prevent hospitalizations, and decrease costs. Our objectives were to explore assumptions around a nurse-led virtual case management intervention for patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a 2-year Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) estimated risk of kidney failure ≥80% and to estimate how these assumptions affect potential cost savings. METHODS: We performed a cost-minimization analysis by developing a decision analytic microsimulation model constructed from the perspective of the health payer. Our primary outcome was the break-even point, defined as the maximum amount a health payer could spend on the intervention without incurring any net financial loss or gain. The intervention group received remote telemonitoring, including daily measurement of several health metrics (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and weight), and a validated symptom questionnaire accompanied by nurse-led case management, whereas the comparator group received usual care. We assumed patients received the intervention for a maximum of 2 years. RESULTS: The break-even point was $7339 per late-stage CKD patient enrolled in the intervention. Based on the distribution of time receiving the intervention, we determined a maximum monthly intervention cost of $703.37. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, we found that 75% of simulations produced break-even points between $3929 and $9460. CONCLUSION: Nurse-led virtual home monitoring interventions in patients with CKD at high risk of kidney failure have the potential for significant cost savings from the perspective of the health payer.

Peripheral Artery Disease: Its Adverse Consequences With and Without CKD.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a potent risk factor for macrovascular disease and death. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is more common in patients with CKD and is associated with lower-limb complications and mortality. We sought to compare the prevalence of PAD in and outside the setting of kidney disease and examine how PAD affects the risk for adverse health outcomes, specifically lower-limb complications, cardiovascular events, and survival. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 453,573 adult residents of Manitoba with at least 1 serum creatinine measurement between 2007 and 2014. EXPOSURE: PAD defined by hospital discharge diagnosis codes and medical claims. OUTCOMES: All-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and lower-limb complications, including foot ulcers and nontraumatic amputations. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: The prevalence of PAD in our study population was 4.5%, and patients with PAD were older, were more likely to be male, and had a higher burden of comorbid conditions, including diabetes and CKD. PAD was associated with higher risks for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and lower-limb complications in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60mL/min/1.73m2, those with CKD GFR categories 3 to 5 (G3-G5), and those treated by dialysis (CKD G5D). Although HRs for PAD were lower in the CKD population, event rates were higher as compared with those with eGFR≥60mL/min/1.73m2. In particular, compared with patients with eGFR≥60mL/min/1.73m2 and without PAD, patients with CKD G5D had 10- and 12-fold higher risks for lower-limb complications, respectively (adjusted HRs of 10.36 [95% CI, 8.83-12.16] and 12.02 [95% CI, 9.58-15.08] for those without and with PAD, respectively), and an event rate of 75/1,000 patient-years. LIMITATIONS: Potential undercounting of PAD and complications using administrative codes and the limited ability to examine quality-of-care indicators for PAD. CONCLUSIONS: PAD is more common in patients with CKD G3-G5 and G5D compared with those with eGFR≥60mL/min/1.73m2 and frequently leads to lower-limb complications. Medical interventions and care pathways specifically designed to slow or prevent the development of lower-limb complications in this population are urgently needed.

Cost Controversies of a "Home Dialysis First" Policy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kidney Failure is highly prevalent and uses a disproportionate amount of health care funding. In Canada (excluding Quebec), 37 647 people were living with kidney failure in 2016. The single-payer Canadian health care system spends approximately 1.2% of their annual budget on kidney failure. In 2016, 58.4% of patients with kidney failure in Canada (excluding Quebec) were on dialysis as opposed to living with a functioning kidney transplant. Home dialysis modalities including peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HD) were used by 18.9% and 4.7% of these patients, respectively. In-center HD and home dialysis (PD and home HD) are often considered equally efficacious and have similar impacts on quality of life. Despite cost minimization analyses suggesting that home dialysis offers cost savings over in-center HD, there has been a slow uptake of home dialysis in developed nations over time, suggesting that controversies and barriers to implementation currently exist. The primary objective of this health policy briefing article is to introduce and address some of the major controversies surrounding the cost effectiveness in supporting advocacy for a "Home Dialysis First" policy with a primary focus on single-payer systems in a developed nation such as Canada. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Canadian and US epidemiologic databases, national/international conference presentations, primary literature review, and discussion with experts within the field of home dialysis. METHODS: We have conducted a focused primary literature review alongside individuals with expertise in the field of home dialysis to discuss the cost controversies surrounding the implementation of a "Home Dialysis First" policy. KEY FINDINGS: First, the primary literature is limited to mostly observational studies which are highly variable in study design and content. Local economic assessments, however, have provided convincing data for home dialysis cost savings in Canada. Second, the cost of delivering dialysis differs significantly throughout the world, explained by differing costs of labor and supplies in developing nations. Third, the indirect patient costs of water, energy, and home modifications are often barriers to implementation and may be overcome by introducing cost reimbursement programs. Fourth, home dialysis requires upfront training costs. We explore the impact of premature switches from home dialysis to in-center HD or a functioning kidney transplant on overall cost savings. Fifth, we discuss the effect of physician financial incentives and program funding on the uptake of home dialysis. Finally, we introduce the controversial topic of comparing the societal value of freedom of modality choice against the societal cost savings of a "Home Dialysis First" policy. LIMITATIONS: Narrative reviews, due to their inherently reduced methodological quality in comparison with systematic reviews, may expose our collected literature to selection bias. We have attempted to compose a diverse collection of available literature alongside consensus expertise to provide a fair and concise review of home dialysis cost controversies. IMPLICATIONS: Implementation of a "Home Dialysis First" policy would be a disruptive change to kidney failure care in Canada. To make informed policy decisions, we should recognize the cost savings associated with home dialysis in developed nations, the significance of patient-borne costs as a barrier to implementation, the impact of training costs and early modality switching in home dialysis, the lack of evidence regarding physician financial incentives, and the importance of program funding. Ultimately, we must consider the societal value of freedom of patient modality choice in comparison with the potential cost savings of a "Home Dialysis First" policy.

JUSTIFICATION: L'insuffisance rénale (IR) est très répandue et occupe une part disproportionnée du financement des soins de santé; le système de santé canadien à payeur unique y consacre environ 1,2 % de son budget annuel. En 2016, au Canada (excluant le Québec), 37 647 personnes vivaient avec une IR, desquelles 58,4 % suivaient des traitements de dialyse plutôt que de vivre avec une greffe fonctionnelle. Les modalités de dialyse à domicile, soit la dialyse péritonéale (DP) et l'hémodialyse à domicile (HD), étaient respectivement employées par 18,9 % et 4,7 % de ces patients. L'hémodialyse en centre (HC) et l'hémodialyse à domicile (HD) sont souvent considérées tout aussi efficaces et leurs répercussions sur la qualité de vie sont semblables. Bien que les analyses de minimisation des coûts suggèrent que l'HD soit plus économique que l'HC, on a observé au fil du temps une tendance à la baisse du choix de l'HD comme modalité dans les pays développés, ce qui suggère l'existence de controverses et d'obstacles à sa mise en œuvre. L'objectif principal de ce document d'information sur les politiques en matière de santé est de présenter et d'aborder certaines des principales controverses entourant la rentabilité et le plaidoyer en faveur d'une politique « HD en priorité ¼ axée principalement sur les systèmes de santé à payeur unique des pays développés comme le Canada. SOURCES: L'Agence canadienne des médicaments et des technologies de la santé (ACMTS), les bases de données épidémiologiques canadiennes et étasuniennes, les présentations faites lors de conférences nationales et internationales, la revue primaire de la littérature et des discussions avec des experts de l'HD. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons procédé à une revue primaire et ciblée de la littérature aux côtés de personnes possédant une expertise en HD afin de discuter des controverses entourant les coûts liés à la mise en œuvre d'une politique « HD en priorité ¼. RÉSULTATS: (1) La revue primaire de la littérature est limitée principalement à des études observationnelles dont la conception et le contenu sont très variables. Les évaluations économiques locales ont cependant fourni des données convaincantes quant aux économies réalisées avec l'HD au Canada.(2) Le coût de la dialyse varie de façon significative à travers le monde, ce qui s'explique par les différences de coûts pour la main-d'œuvre et l'équipement dans les pays en développement.(3) Les coûts indirects (eau, énergie et aménagements requis) assumés par le patient constituent souvent un obstacle à la mise en œuvre qui pourrait être surmonté par la mise sur pied d'un programme de remboursement.(4) L'HD entraîne des coûts de formation à l'implantation. Nous explorons les conséquences d'un passage précoce de l'HD à l'HC ou à une transplantation fonctionnelle sur les économies globales.(5) Nous discutons de l'effet d'incitatifs financiers auprès des médecins et du financement de programmes encourageant l'HD.(6) Enfin, nous abordons le sujet controversé de la comparaison de la valeur sociétale du libre choix par rapport aux économies sociétales d'une politique « HD en priorité ¼. LIMITES: Les revues narratives, en raison de leur qualité méthodologique intrinsèquement réduite comparativement aux revues systématiques, peuvent exposer la documentation recueillie à des biais de sélection. Nous avons tenté de constituer un éventail diversifié de documents disponibles parallèlement à une expertise consensuelle de façon à fournir un examen juste et concis des controverses entourant les coûts liés à l'HD. CONCLUSION: La mise en œuvre d'une politique « HD en priorité ¼ constituerait un virage majeur dans les pratiques en insuffisance rénale au Canada. Pour prendre des décisions éclairées, nous devons reconnaître: (1) les économies associées à l'HD dans les pays développés, (2) l'importance des coûts assumés par les patients comme obstacle à la mise en œuvre, (3) l'incidence des coûts incitatifs financiers aux médecins et, (4) l'importance de financer les programmes. Enfin, nous devons examiner la valeur sociétale du libre choix du patient par rapport aux potentielles économies d'une politique « HD en priorité ¼.

Assessment of Bowel End Perfusion After Mesenteric Division: Eye Versus SPY.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic complications related to tissue ischemia cause morbidity in gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. Surgeons' standard practice to predict bowel perfusion is inspection of mesenteric perfusion before anastomosing bowel ends. Augmenting this assessment with fluorescent imaging is under study. A standardized system to evaluate this imaging has not yet been developed. This study compared the surgeon's intraoperative assessment to a novel GI-specific imaging analysis method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive patients undergoing open or laparoscopic-assisted bowel resections were enrolled. After mesenteric division, the surgeon marked the site for bowel transection. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging was performed on the marked bowel ends. Imaging analysis identified theoretical transection sites based on the quantification of arterial and microvascular inflow (Perfusion) and venous outflow (Timing). The primary outcome was the measured disparity between the site marked by the surgeon using current standard of care parameters and the imaging-determined site. No clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-two bowel end segments from 46 patients were analyzed. Disparity was found in 11 of 72 (15%) bowel end segments. In five (7%), the disparity was due to either Perfusion or Timing (single), and in six (8%), due to both Perfusion and Timing (combined). In the single disparity group, the median disparity distance was 2.0 cm by Perfusion and 4.0 cm by Timing, and in the combined group, 3.8 cm by Perfusion and 3.5 cm by Timing. Disparity (either single or combined) was in 25% of colon and 11.5% of small bowel (P = NS). Combined and single disparity had equivalent lengths of disparity distance (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Imaging coupled with this GI-specific analysis provides objective, real-time, and interpretable data of intramural blood supply. A 15% disparity rate from current clinical practice was observed.

Predicting Hepatic Encephalopathy-Related Hospitalizations Using a Composite Assessment of Cognitive Impairment and Frailty in 355 Patients With Cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the most common potentially modifiable reason for admission in patients with cirrhosis. Cognitive and physical components of frailty have pathophysiologic rationale as risk factors for HE. We aimed to assess the utility of a composite score (MoCA-CFS) developed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) for predicting HE admissions within 6 months. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients with cirrhosis were followed for 6 months or until death/transplant. Patients with overt HE and dementia were excluded. Primary outcome was the prediction of HE-related admissions at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 355 patients were included; mean age 55.9 ± 9.6; 62.5% male; Hepatitis C and alcohol etiology in 64%. Thirty-six percent of patients had cognitive impairment according to the MoCA (≤24) and 14% were frail on the CFS (>4). The MoCA-CFS independently predicted HE hospitalization within 6 months, a MoCA-CFS score of 1 and 2 respectively increasing the odds of hospitalization by 3.3 (95% CI:1.5-7.7) and 5.7 (95% CI:1.9-17.3). HRQoL decreased with increasing MoCA-CFS. Depression and older age were independent predictors of a low MoCA. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive and physical frailty are common in patients with cirrhosis. In addition to being an independent predictor of HE admissions within 6 months, the MoCA-CFS composite score predicts impaired HRQoL and all-cause admissions within 6 months. These data support the predictive value of a "multidimensional" frailty tool for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes and highlight the potential for a multi-faceted approach to therapy targeting cognitive impairment, physical frailty and depression.

Remote Dwelling Location Is a Risk Factor for CKD Among Indigenous Canadians.

INTRODUCTION: Rural and remote indigenous individuals have a high burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) when compared to the general population. However, it has not been previously explored how these rates compare to urban-dwelling indigenous populations. METHODS: In a recent cross-sectional screening study, 1346 adults 18 to 80 years of age were screened for CKD and diabetes across 11 communities in rural and remote areas in Manitoba, Canada, as part of the First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis (FINISHED) program. An additional 284 Indigenous adults who resided in low-income areas in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada were screened as part of the NorWest Mobile Diabetes and Kidney Disease Screening and Intervention Project. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that a gradient of CKD and diabetes prevalence exists for Indigenous individuals living in different geographic areas. Compared to urban-dwelling Indigenous individuals, rural-dwelling individuals had more than a 2-fold (2.1, 95% CI = 1.4-3.1) increase in diabetes whereas remote-dwelling individuals had a 4-fold (4.1, 95% CI = 2.8-6.0) increase, and more than a 3-fold (3.1, 95% CI = 2.2-4.5) increase in CKD prevalence. CONCLUSION: Although these results highlight the relative importance of geography in determining the prevalence of diabetes and CKD in Indigenous Canadians, geography is but an important surrogate of other determinants, such as poverty and access to care.

Cost of Dialysis Therapy by Modality in Manitoba.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of ESKD is increasing worldwide. Treating ESKD is disproportionately costly in comparison with its prevalence, mostly due to the direct cost of dialysis therapy. Here, we aim to provide a contemporary cost description of dialysis modalities, including facility-based hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home hemodialysis, provided with conventional dialysis machines and the NxStage System One. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We constructed a cost-minimization model from the perspective of the Canadian single-payer health care system including all costs related to dialysis care. The labor component of costs consisted of a breakdown of activity-based per patient direct labor requirements. Other costs were taken from statements of operations for the kidney program at Seven Oaks General Hospital (Winnipeg, Canada). All costs are reported in Canadian dollars. RESULTS: Annual maintenance expenses were estimated as $64,214 for in-center facility hemodialysis, $43,816 for home hemodialysis with the NxStage System One, $39,236 for home hemodialysis with conventional dialysis machines, and $38,658 for peritoneal dialysis. Training costs for in-center facility hemodialysis, home hemodialysis with the NxStage System One, home hemodialysis with conventional dialysis machines, and peritoneal dialysis are estimated as $0, $16,143, $24,379, and $7157, respectively. The threshold point to achieve cost neutrality was determined to be 9.7 months from in-center hemodialysis to home hemodialysis with the NxStage System One, 12.6 months from in-center hemodialysis to home hemodialysis with conventional dialysis machines, and 3.2 months from in-center hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Home modalities have lower maintenance costs, and beyond a short time horizon, they are most cost efficient when considering their incremental training expenses. PODCAST: This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2018_07_18_CJASNPodcast_18_8_F.mp3.

Screening for chronic kidney disease in Canadian indigenous peoples is cost-effective.

Canadian indigenous (First Nations) have rates of kidney failure that are 2- to 4-fold higher than the non-indigenous general Canadian population. As such, a strategy of targeted screening and treatment for CKD may be cost-effective in this population. Our objective was to assess the cost utility of screening and subsequent treatment for CKD in rural Canadian indigenous adults by both estimated glomerular filtration rate and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. A decision analytic Markov model was constructed comparing the screening and treatment strategy to usual care. Primary outcomes were presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) presented as a cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Screening for CKD was associated with an ICER of $23,700/QALY in comparison to usual care. Restricting the model to screening in communities accessed only by air travel (CKD prevalence 34.4%), this ratio fell to $7,790/QALY. In road accessible communities (CKD prevalence 17.6%) the ICER was $52,480/QALY. The model was robust to changes in influential variables when tested in univariate sensitivity analyses. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found 72% of simulations to be cost-effective at a $50,000/QALY threshold and 93% of simulations to be cost-effective at a $100,000/QALY threshold. Thus, targeted screening and treatment for CKD using point-of-care testing equipment in rural Canadian indigenous populations is cost-effective, particularly in remote air access-only communities with the highest risk of CKD and kidney failure. Evaluation of targeted screening initiatives with cluster randomized controlled trials and integration of screening into routine clinical visits in communities with the highest risk is recommended.

An Economic Assessment Model of Rural and Remote Satellite Hemodialysis Units.

BACKGROUND: Kidney Failure is epidemic in many remote communities in Canada. In-centre hemodialysis is provided within these settings in satellite hemodialysis units. The key cost drivers of this program have not been fully described. Such information is important in informing the design of programs aimed at optimizing efficiency in providing dialysis and preventative chronic kidney disease care in remote communities. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS: We constructed a cost model based on data derived from 16 of Manitoba, Canada's remote satellite units. We included all costs for operation of the unit, transportation, treatment, and capital costs. All costs were presented in 2013 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: The annual per-patient cost of providing hemodialysis in the satellite units ranged from $80,372 to $215,918 per patient, per year. The median per patient, per year cost was $99,888 (IQR $89,057-$122,640). Primary cost drivers were capital costs related to construction, human resource expenses, and expenses for return to tertiary care centres for health care. Costs related to transport considerably increased estimates in units that required plane or helicopter transfers. CONCLUSIONS: Satellite hemodialysis units in remote areas are more expensive on a per-patient basis than hospital hemodialysis and satellite hemodialysis available in urban areas. In some rural, remote locations, better value for money may reside in local surveillance and prevention programs in addition support for home dialysis therapies over construction of new satellite hemodialysis units.

Cost-effective treatment modalities for reducing morbidity associated with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem with increasing prevalence and incidence. Guidelines suggest that early referral to a nephrologist to manage advanced stage (4+) patients with CKD is an effective treatment strategy, with earlier stage patients best managed through primary care physicians. Should patients with CKD progress to total kidney failure, several therapies are available that vary widely in costs. Kidney transplantation offers the lowest costs and highest quality of life, followed in ascending order of costs by peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis and facility-based hemodialysis. Earlier detection of CKD may prevent progression to kidney failure, and accurate risk prediction of end-stage kidney failure may improve clinical planning, outcomes and resource allocation.

The cost effectiveness of erythropoietin-stimulating agents for treating anemia in patients on dialysis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common complication associated with kidney failure and is marked by poor health and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. There are ongoing concerns with the use of Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESAs) to treat anemia in patients with kidney failure on dialysis. Questions as to their benefits, harms and overall effect on quality of life are still relevant today. Our objective was to systematically review studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of ESAs in patients with kidney failure on dialysis. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of studies determining the cost-effectiveness of ESAs in adult patients on dialysis. Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were searched from their establishment until June 2013. Studies that reported an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of hemoglobin correction strategies based on ESA treatments in comparison to red blood cell transfusions, lower hemoglobin targets, or no ESA treatment were included. RESULTS: Seven studies met inclusion criteria. Reported cost/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) ratios ranged from USD 931-677,749/QALY across five studies comparing ESAs to red blood cell transfusions. There was heterogeneity in results when considering higher hemoglobin targets, with studies finding higher targets to be both dominant and dominated. Mortality, hospitalization, and utility estimates were major drivers. CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial variability in the estimates of the cost-effectiveness of using ESAs in the dialysis population. New models incorporating recent meta-analyses for estimates of utility, mortality, and hospitalization changes would allow for a more comprehensive answer to this question.

Cost-effectiveness of primary screening for CKD: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem with an increasing incidence worldwide. Data on the cost-effectiveness of CKD screening in the general population have been conflicting. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. SETTING & POPULATION: General, hypertensive, and diabetic populations. No restriction on setting. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES: Studies that evaluated the cost-effectiveness of screening for CKD. INTERVENTION: Screening for CKD by proteinuria or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). OUTCOMES: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of screening by proteinuria or eGFR compared with either no screening or usual care. RESULTS: 9 studies met criteria for inclusion. 8 studies evaluated the cost-effectiveness of proteinuria screening and 2 evaluated screening with eGFR. For proteinuria screening, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from $14,063-$160,018/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) in the general population, $5,298-$54,943/QALY in the diabetic population, and $23,028-$73,939/QALY in the hypertensive population. For eGFR screening, one study reported a cost of $23,680/QALY in the diabetic population and the range across the 2 studies was $100,253-$109,912/QALY in the general population. The incidence of CKD, rate of progression, and effectiveness of drug therapy were major drivers of cost-effectiveness. LIMITATIONS: Few studies evaluated screening by eGFR. Performance of a quantitative meta-analysis on influential assumptions was not conducted because of few available studies and heterogeneity in model designs. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for CKD is suggested to be cost-effective in patients with diabetes and hypertension. CKD screening may be cost-effective in populations with higher incidences of CKD, rapid rates of progression, and more effective drug therapy.