Health inequity assessment in Brazil: is EQ-5D-3L sensible enough to detect differences among distinct socioeconomic groups?

BACKGROUND: Multidimensional health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments, such as the EQ-5D, are increasingly used to assess inequalities in health. However, it is necessary to explore the ability of these instruments to capture differences between population groups, especially in low/middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate whether the EQ-5D-3L instrument can detect differences in HRQOL between groups of different socioeconomic status (SES) in Brazil. METHODS: Data collection occurred during the Brazilian EQ-5D-3L valuation study and included respondents aged 18 to 64 years enrolled in urban areas. SES was aggregated into three categories: "higher" (A and B), "intermediate" (C) and "lower" (D and E). EQ-5D-3L index was calculated considering the Brazilian value set. A mixed-effects regression model was estimated with random effects on individuals and marginal effects on SES, sex, and educational attainment. Odds ratios for the chance of reporting problems for each EQ-5D dimension were estimated by logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 9,148 respondents were included in the study. Mean age was 37.80 ± 13.13 years, 47.4% were men and the majority was ranked as classes B or C (38.4% and 50.7%, respectively). Participants in lower SES classes reported increasingly poorer health compared to individuals in higher classes. The mean EQ-5D-3L index decreased as SES deteriorates being significantly higher for classes A and B (0.874 ± 0.14) compared to class C (0.842 ± 0.15) and classes D and E (0.804 ± 0.17) (p < 0.001). The same was observed for the mean EQ-VAS scores (84.0 ± 13.8 in classes A and B, 81.0 ± 17 in class C and 78.3 ± 18.7 in class C [p < 0.001]). The multivariate analysis confirmed that SES is an independent factor that effects EQ-5D-3L index measures. Participants in intermediate and lower SES classes have a statistically significant lower EQ-5D-3L index compared to participants in classes A and B, regardless of age, sex, and educational attainment. CONCLUSION: In a Brazilian population sample, the EQ-5D-3L instrument was able to detect important differences between groups with distinct socioeconomic statuses (SES). The EQ-5D-3L is useful for exploring inequities in health.

Cost Utility of Vaccination Against COVID-19 in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-utility of the Oxford, CoronaVac, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system. METHODS: A total of 3 microsimulation models were constructed with individual data to evaluate the 3 vaccines. The simulation contains 7 transition states that are related to the natural history of the disease. The model with a daily cycle has a time horizon of 1 year and uses data from 289 days of the pandemic. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system considering direct medical costs. For the model inputs, outpatient and hospital databases were used with information on treated patients stratified by age. Information on mortality was also stratified based on patients' age in the mortality database (SIM). The efficacy of vaccines to reduce the likelihood of patients becoming ill was evaluated independently for each vaccine. Information on the quality of life of patients in outpatient or hospital treatment and the sequelae resulting from the disease were extracted from the literature. The main outcome of the analysis was quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). RESULTS: The vaccines showed incremental cost-utility ratios ranging from R$-23 161.3/QALY (Oxford) to R$17 757.85/QALY (CoronaVac). The older the population, the lower was the incremental cost-utility ratio. Given a willingness-to-pay threshold of R$17 586/QALY, all the vaccines were considered cost-effective in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the analysis by age group can help in the preparation of a vaccination prioritization plan.

[Budget impact analysis of viscosupplementation for non-surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis]. / Análise do impacto orçamentário da viscossuplementação no tratamento não cirúrgico da osteoartrite de joelho.

Knee osteoarthritis affects 3.8% of the world population and manifests as pain, edema, stiffness, and reduced joint function, impacting the patient's quality of life. Treatment consists of the pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical modalities. Viscosupplementation (intraarticular hyaluronate) has been proposed to relieve symptoms and potentially postpone surgery. This study estimated the budget impact of the association of this drug and non-surgical treatment (standard treatment) from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Based on the assumption that 5% of patients proceed to treatment and on the direct costs of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities, the authors calculated the reference and alternative scenarios that compared the different treatment options in a three-year timeline. The principal analysis estimated an incremental budget impact of approximately BRL 126 million (U$ 32 million) for one vial of hyaluronate a year and BRL 252 million (USD 64 million) for two vials a year. Diacerein, an oral chondroprotector, assessed as an alternative, showed a budget impact of BRL 334 million (USD 86 million) in relation to standard treatment, representing a 24% cost increase compared to two vials a year of hyaluronate, making it less economically advantageous. Viscosupplementation can provide better quality of life for patients, reduce costs for the health system, and optimize the flow of care in health services. The estimates presented in this study can assist administrators in the best use of resources and thus in decision-making on the technology's incorporation.

A osteoartrite de joelho afeta cerca de 3,8% da população mundial e se manifesta por dor, edema, rigidez e redução da função articular, impactando na qualidade de vida do paciente. O tratamento consiste na modalidade farmacológica, não farmacológica e cirúrgica. A viscossuplementação (ácido hialurônico intra-articular) se propõe a oferecer alívio dos sintomas e a possibilidade de adiamento da cirurgia. Este estudo estimou o impacto orçamentário entre a associação desse medicamento e o tratamento não cirúrgico (tratamento padrão), sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Com base no pressuposto de que 5% dos portadores da doença seguem para tratamento e nos custos diretos das modalidades: farmacológica e não farmacológica foram calculados os cenários de referência e alternativos que compararam as diferentes opções de tratamento para um horizonte temporal de três anos. A análise principal estimou um impacto orçamentário incremental de aproximadamente R$ 126 milhões (1 ampola anual) e R$ 252 milhões (2 ampolas anuais). Já a diacereína, um condroprotetor oral, avaliada como uma opção alternativa, mostrou um impacto de R$ 334 milhões no orçamento em relação ao tratamento padrão, o que proporciona um aumento de 24% no custo em relação ao uso de 2 ampolas anuais de ácido hialurônico, tornando-a economicamente menos vantajosa. A viscossuplementação pode proporcionar maior qualidade de vida ao paciente, redução de custos para o sistema e otimização do fluxo de atendimento nas unidades de saúde. As estimativas apresentadas neste estudo podem auxiliar o gestor quanto à melhor utilização dos recursos financeiros e consequente tomada de decisão quanto à incorporação da tecnologia.

La osteoartritis de rodilla afecta a cerca de un 3,8% de la población mundial y se manifiesta por dolor, edema, rigidez y reducción de la función articular, impactando en la calidad de vida del paciente. El tratamiento consiste en la modalidad farmacológica, no farmacológica y quirúrgica. La viscosuplementación (ácido hialurónico intraarticular) se propone ofrecer un alivio de los síntomas y la posibilidad de un aplazamiento de la cirugía. Este estudio estimó el impacto presupuestario entre la asociación de este medicamento y el tratamiento no quirúrgico (tratamiento estándar), desde la perspectiva del Sistema Único de Salud. Basándonos en el supuesto de que un 5% de los portadores de la enfermedad siguen el tratamiento y en los costos directos de las modalidades tanto farmacológica, como no farmacológica, se calcularon los escenarios de referencia y alternativos que compararon las diferentes opciones de tratamiento para un horizonte temporal de tres años. El análisis principal estimó un impacto presupuestario incremental de aproximadamente BRL 126 millones (1 ampolla anual) y BRL 252 millones (2 ampollas anuales). En el caso de la diacereína, un condroprotector oral, evaluado como una opción alternativa, mostró un impacto de BRL 334 millones en el presupuesto, respecto al tratamiento estándar, lo que proporciona un aumento de un 24% en el costo, en relación con el uso de 2 ampollas anuales de ácido hialurónico, haciéndola económicamente menos ventajosa. La viscosuplementación puede proporcionar mayor calidad de vida al paciente, reducción de costes para el sistema y la optimización del flujo de atención en las unidades de salud. Las estimaciones presentadas en este estudio pueden ayudar al gestor en lo referente a una mejor utilización de los recursos financieros y, consecuentemente, en la toma de decisiones respecto a la incorporación de tecnología.

Avaliação de custo-efetividade do cateterismo em veia jugular interna guiado por ultrassom no Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro / Evaluation of cost-effectiveness of internal jugular vein catheterization by ultrasound in the Brazilian National Health System

Objetivo: Determinar a factibilidade econômica da técnica de cateterismo central em veia jugular interna guiada pelo ultrassom comparado à técnica-padrão, sob a perspectiva pagadora do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro. Métodos: Análise de custo-efetividade utilizando modelo de árvore de decisão sob uma população de pacientes adultos em um cenário de uma unidade terciária. Os custos diretos dos materiais e procedimentos foram estimados utilizando bancos de registros de compras nacionais. Os desfechos foram a ocorrência ou não da punção arterial acidental grave (principal complicação associada ao sítio de punção). Também foram conduzidas análises de sensibilidade determinística e probabilística, bem como curva de aceitabilidade. Resultados: A intervenção onerou o modelo em R$ 53,81. A razão de custo-efetividade incremental calculada foi de R$ 17.936,66 por complicação grave evitada e a curva de aceitabilidade evidenciou que a técnica é custo-efetiva sob uma intenção de pagar de R$ 18.125,00. Na análise de sensibilidade probabilística, 63,6% das simulações mostraram-se custo-efetivas. Conclusão: A intervenção é custo-efetiva, contribuindo para a redução das complicações graves, e o resultado pode proporcionar segurança para tomadas de decisões quanto à padronização do uso da ultrassonografia como orientador do procedimento.

Objective: To determine the economic feasibility of the central catheterization technique in the internal jugular vein guided by the ultrasound compared to the standard technique, under the perspective of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Methods: Cost-effectiveness analysis using decision tree model under a population of adult patients in a tertiary unit scenario. The direct costs of the materials and procedures were estimated using banks of national procurement records. The outcomes were the occurrence or not of severe accidental arterial puncture (the main complication associated with the puncture site). Analyzes of deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity were also conducted, as well as acceptability curve. Results: The intervention cost the model in R$ 53.81. The calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was R$ 17,936.66 due to a serious complication avoided and the acceptability curve showed that the technique is cost-effective under an intention to pay R$ 18,125.00. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, 63.6% of the simulations were cost-effective. Conclusion: The intervention is cost-effective, contributing to the reduction of severe complications and the result can provide security for decision making regarding the standardization of the use of ultrasonography as a guideline of the procedure

Revisão e proposta para atualização da diretriz metodológica de análise de impacto orçamentário de tecnologia em saúde para o SUS / Review and proposal to update the methodological guideline for budget impact analysis of health technology for the SUS

Objetivos: Fazer uma proposta para atualização da diretriz com maior padronização dos métodos e realizar análise crítica dos pontos considerados mais relevantes para a formulação de um estudo de análise de impacto orçamentário. Métodos: Revisão da literatura, extração de dados, seleção de etapas básicas para a execução de uma análise de impacto orçamentário, apresentação dos resultados para debate com especialistas. Resultados: Foram recuperados 1.215 títulos, dos quais seis foram elegíveis para síntese qualitativa e definição da estrutura analítica para projetar e construir um modelo de impacto orçamentário: perspectiva da análise; estimar a população-alvo; horizonte temporal; taxa de incorporação da nova tecnologia ao mercado (market share); estimar os custos; fontes de dados; taxa de desconto e apresentação do resultado final. Recomendações: perspectiva da análise deve ser a do pagador; estimativa da população elegível a partir de dados epidemiológicos oriundos do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) preferencialmente; horizonte temporal de dois a cinco anos; buscar a taxa de incorporação em órgãos oficiais; custos diretos estimados a partir da autorização de internação hospitalar e portais de compras governamentais; fontes de dados oficiais e apresentação de resultados em tabela e o impacto incremental ano a ano. Conclusões: Avaliação de Impacto Orçamentário é uma ferramenta feita para auxiliar o gestor, que prima por tentar garantir equilíbrio fiscal ao sistema diante das inúmeras demandas da sociedade. Essa característica é fundamental no mundo atual, onde transparência e a responsabilidade nos gastos são exigências cada vez mais frequentes por parte do cidadão.

Objectives: To make a proposal to update the guideline with a standardization of the methods and do a critical analysis of the points considered most relevant to the formulation of a study of Budget Impact Analysis. Methods: Literature review, data extraction, selection of basic steps to do a budget impact analysis, presentation of results for discussion with experts. Results: 1,215 titles were retrieved, of which 6 were eligible for qualitative synthesis and definition of the analytical framework to design and build a model of budgetary impact: analysis perspective; estimate the target population; temporal horizon; rate of incorporation of the new technology into the market ("market share"); estimate costs; data sources; discount rate and presentation of the final result. Recommendations: the perspective of the analysis should be that of the payer; the estimation of the eligible population from epidemiological data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) preferably; time horizon of 2 to 5 years; rate of incorporation with official data; direct costs estimated from hospital admission authorization and government shopping sites; official data sources and presentation of results in table and incremental impact year by year. Conclusions: Budget Impact Analysis is a tool designed to assist the manager, that trying to guarantee a fiscal balance to the system against the innumerable demands of society. This characteristic is fundamental in today's world where transparency and responsibility in spending are increasingly frequent demands on the part of the citizen.

Impact of complications of myocardial revascularization surgery on expenses during Hospital Stay / Impacto das complicações da cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio nas despesas durante internação hospitalar

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an important treatment option for obstructive coronary artery disease, but it represents a high expense for paying sources.The complications of CABG impose an additional expense to the procedure that is not yet clearly established. Objective: To determine the economic impact of postoperative complications of CABG during hospitalization in a hospital of the unified health system (SUS). Methods: This is an observational study involving 240 patients undergoing isolated CABG in a reference hospital in cardiology in 2013. Patients aged over 30 years with proven coronary artery disease and indication to perform CRVM were included. Patients who performed CRVM associated with other procedures were excluded. Results: The average cost of hospitalization was R$ 22,647.24 (SD = R$ 28,105.66). In 97 patients who presented some complication the average cost was R$ 35,400.28 (SD = R$ 40,509.47), and in the 143 patients without complications the average cost was R$ 13,996.57 (SD = R$ 5,800.61) (p < 0.001). Expenditures ranged from R$ 17,344.37 in patients with one complication up to R$ 104,596.52 in patients with five complications (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The occurrence of complications during hospitalization for CABG dignificantly increases the costs of the procedure, but the magnitude of this increase depends on the type of complication developed, and higher expenses related to cardiovascular complications, infections and bleeding. With this information, managers can improve the allocation of resources to health

Análise do impacto orçamentário da viscossuplementação no tratamento não cirúrgico da osteoartrite de joelho / Budget impact analysis of viscosupplementation for non-surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis / Análisis del impacto presupuestario de la viscosuplementación en el tratamiento no quirúrgico de la osteoartritis de rodilla

Resumo: A osteoartrite de joelho afeta cerca de 3,8% da população mundial e se manifesta por dor, edema, rigidez e redução da função articular, impactando na qualidade de vida do paciente. O tratamento consiste na modalidade farmacológica, não farmacológica e cirúrgica. A viscossuplementação (ácido hialurônico intra-articular) se propõe a oferecer alívio dos sintomas e a possibilidade de adiamento da cirurgia. Este estudo estimou o impacto orçamentário entre a associação desse medicamento e o tratamento não cirúrgico (tratamento padrão), sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Com base no pressuposto de que 5% dos portadores da doença seguem para tratamento e nos custos diretos das modalidades: farmacológica e não farmacológica foram calculados os cenários de referência e alternativos que compararam as diferentes opções de tratamento para um horizonte temporal de três anos. A análise principal estimou um impacto orçamentário incremental de aproximadamente R$ 126 milhões (1 ampola anual) e R$ 252 milhões (2 ampolas anuais). Já a diacereína, um condroprotetor oral, avaliada como uma opção alternativa, mostrou um impacto de R$ 334 milhões no orçamento em relação ao tratamento padrão, o que proporciona um aumento de 24% no custo em relação ao uso de 2 ampolas anuais de ácido hialurônico, tornando-a economicamente menos vantajosa. A viscossuplementação pode proporcionar maior qualidade de vida ao paciente, redução de custos para o sistema e otimização do fluxo de atendimento nas unidades de saúde. As estimativas apresentadas neste estudo podem auxiliar o gestor quanto à melhor utilização dos recursos financeiros e consequente tomada de decisão quanto à incorporação da tecnologia.

Abstract: Knee osteoarthritis affects 3.8% of the world population and manifests as pain, edema, stiffness, and reduced joint function, impacting the patient's quality of life. Treatment consists of the pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical modalities. Viscosupplementation (intraarticular hyaluronate) has been proposed to relieve symptoms and potentially postpone surgery. This study estimated the budget impact of the association of this drug and non-surgical treatment (standard treatment) from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Based on the assumption that 5% of patients proceed to treatment and on the direct costs of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities, the authors calculated the reference and alternative scenarios that compared the different treatment options in a three-year timeline. The principal analysis estimated an incremental budget impact of approximately BRL 126 million (U$ 32 million) for one vial of hyaluronate a year and BRL 252 million (USD 64 million) for two vials a year. Diacerein, an oral chondroprotector, assessed as an alternative, showed a budget impact of BRL 334 million (USD 86 million) in relation to standard treatment, representing a 24% cost increase compared to two vials a year of hyaluronate, making it less economically advantageous. Viscosupplementation can provide better quality of life for patients, reduce costs for the health system, and optimize the flow of care in health services. The estimates presented in this study can assist administrators in the best use of resources and thus in decision-making on the technology's incorporation.

Resumen: La osteoartritis de rodilla afecta a cerca de un 3,8% de la población mundial y se manifiesta por dolor, edema, rigidez y reducción de la función articular, impactando en la calidad de vida del paciente. El tratamiento consiste en la modalidad farmacológica, no farmacológica y quirúrgica. La viscosuplementación (ácido hialurónico intraarticular) se propone ofrecer un alivio de los síntomas y la posibilidad de un aplazamiento de la cirugía. Este estudio estimó el impacto presupuestario entre la asociación de este medicamento y el tratamiento no quirúrgico (tratamiento estándar), desde la perspectiva del Sistema Único de Salud. Basándonos en el supuesto de que un 5% de los portadores de la enfermedad siguen el tratamiento y en los costos directos de las modalidades tanto farmacológica, como no farmacológica, se calcularon los escenarios de referencia y alternativos que compararon las diferentes opciones de tratamiento para un horizonte temporal de tres años. El análisis principal estimó un impacto presupuestario incremental de aproximadamente BRL 126 millones (1 ampolla anual) y BRL 252 millones (2 ampollas anuales). En el caso de la diacereína, un condroprotector oral, evaluado como una opción alternativa, mostró un impacto de BRL 334 millones en el presupuesto, respecto al tratamiento estándar, lo que proporciona un aumento de un 24% en el costo, en relación con el uso de 2 ampollas anuales de ácido hialurónico, haciéndola económicamente menos ventajosa. La viscosuplementación puede proporcionar mayor calidad de vida al paciente, reducción de costes para el sistema y la optimización del flujo de atención en las unidades de salud. Las estimaciones presentadas en este estudio pueden ayudar al gestor en lo referente a una mejor utilización de los recursos financieros y, consecuentemente, en la toma de decisiones respecto a la incorporación de tecnología.

Impacto dos fatores de risco para doença arterial coronatriana nos gastos hospitalares dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio no SUS / Impact of risk factors for coronary artery disease on hospital costs of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Myocardial revascularization surgery may be indicated for the relief of symptoms and to reduce mortality. However, surgery is a costly procedure and the impact of the number of cardiovascular risk factors on the cost of the procedure has not been established. Objectives: To identify the impact of risk factors for coronary artery disease on myocardial revascularization surgery cost. Methods: We selected 239 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery at the National Institute of Cardiology in the period from 01 January to 31 December 2013. We included patients aged over 30 years, with indication for the procedure. Patients undergoing combined procedures were excluded. Results: Seven patients had only one risk factor, 32 patients had two risk factors, 75 patients had 3 risk factors, 78 patients had four risk factors, 36 patients had 5 risk factors and 11 patients presented 6 risk factors. The total costs, on average, was R$ 14,143.22 in the group with 1 risk factor, R$ 18,380.40 in the group with 2 risk factors, R$ 21,229.51 in the group with 3 risk factors, R$ 24,620.86 in the group with 4 risk factors, R$ 21,337.92 in the group with 5 risk factors and R$ 36,098,35 in the group with 6 risk factors (p = 0.441). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that, in a public referral center for highly complex cardiology procedures, there was no significant correlation between the number of cardiovascular risk factors and hospitalization costs

Fundamentos: As doenças cardiovasculares representam uma importante causa de mortalidade e morbidade. A cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio pode ser indicada para o alívio dos sintomas e para diminuir a mortalidade. Entretanto, a cirurgia é um procedimento de custo elevado e não está estabelecido o impacto do número de fatores de risco cardiovasculares nos gastos do procedimento. Objetivos: Identificar o impacto dos fatores de risco para a doença arterial coronariana nos gastos com a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Métodos: Foram selecionados 239 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio isolada no Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia no período entre 01 de Janeiro a 31 de Dezembro de 2013. Foram incluídos pacientes com idade superior a 30 anos e indicação de revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio. Foram excluídos os pacientes submetidos a procedimentos combinados. Resultados: Sete pacientes apresentaram apenas 1 fator de risco, 32 pacientes apresentaram 2 fatores de risco, 75 pacientes apresentaram 3 fatores de risco, 78 pacientes apresentaram 4 fatores de risco, 36 pacientes apresentaram 5 fatores de risco e 11 pacientes apresentaram 6 fatores de risco. O total dos gastos, em média, foi de R$ 14 143,22 no grupo com 1 fator de risco, R$ 18 380,40 no grupo com 2 fatores de risco, R$ 21 229,51 no grupo com 3 fatores de risco, R$ 24 620,86 no grupo com 4 fatores de risco, R$ 21 337,92 no grupo com 5 fatores de risco e R$ 36 098,35 no grupo com 6 fatores de risco (p = 0,441). Conclusão: Este trabalho demonstra que, em uma unidade pública de referência para a realização de procedimentos cardiológicos de alta complexidade, não houve uma correlação significativa entre o número de fatores de risco cardiovascular e os custos da internação

Budget impact of applying appropriateness criteria for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy: The perspective of a developing country.

Myocardial perfusion imaging is widely used for the risk stratification of coronary artery disease. In view of its cost, besides radiation issues, judicious evaluation of the appropriateness of its indications is essential to prevent an unnecessary economic burden on the health system. We evaluated, at a tertiary-care, public Brazilian hospital, the appropriateness of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy indications, and estimated the budget impact of applying appropriateness criteria. An observational, cross-sectional study of 190 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease referred for myocardial perfusion imaging was conducted. The appropriateness of myocardial perfusion imaging indications was evaluated with the Appropriate Use Criteria for Cardiac Radionuclide Imaging published in 2009. Budget impact analysis was performed with a deterministic model. The prevalence of appropriate requests was 78%; of inappropriate indications, 12%; and of uncertain indications, 10%. Budget impact analysis showed that the use of appropriateness criteria, applied to the population referred to myocardial perfusion scintigraphy within 1 year, could generate savings of $ 64,252.04 dollars. The 12% inappropriate requests for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy at a tertiary-care hospital suggest that a reappraisal of MPI indications is needed. Budget impact analysis estimated resource savings of 18.6% with the establishment of appropriateness criteria for MPI.

Budget impact analysis of the percutaneous septal occluder for treatment of ostium secundum atrial septal defects in the Brazilian Unified National Health System.

The aim of this study was to perform a budget impact analysis on the adoption of percutaneous occlusion of ostium secundum atrial septal defects in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Costs were collected using micro-costing technique from medical records for each treatment technique (conventional surgery versus percutaneous septal occluder) at a public federal hospital specialized in high-complexity cardiology. The analysis showed that expenditures associated with percutaneous occlusion were lower than with conventional surgery, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the cost reduction in several scenarios, showing a significant budget impact with a 30% adoption rate for the percutaneous occluder (savings of approximately 1.5 million dollars per year). The study indicates that the adoption of the percutaneous septal occluder would mean cost savings of approximately 3.5 million dollars for the Brazilian public health system.

Budget impact analysis of the percutaneous septal occluder for treatment of ostium secundum atrial septal defects in the Brazilian Unified National Health System / Análise do impacto orçamentário do uso de oclusor percutâneo septal para fechamento de comunicação interatrial no Sistema Único de Saúde / Análisis del impacto presupuestario en el uso del oclusor percutáneo septal para la oclusión de comunicación interauricular en el Sistema Único de Salud brasileño

The aim of this study was to perform a budget impact analysis on the adoption of percutaneous occlusion of ostium secundum atrial septal defects in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Costs were collected using micro-costing technique from medical records for each treatment technique (conventional surgery versus percutaneous septal occluder) at a public federal hospital specialized in high-complexity cardiology. The analysis showed that expenditures associated with percutaneous occlusion were lower than with conventional surgery, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the cost reduction in several scenarios, showing a significant budget impact with a 30% adoption rate for the percutaneous occluder (savings of approximately 1.5 million dollars per year). The study indicates that the adoption of the percutaneous septal occluder would mean cost savings of approximately 3.5 million dollars for the Brazilian public health system.

O objetivo foi analisar o impacto orçamentário da incorporação do oclusor septal percutâneo para o tratamento de defeitos do septo atrial do tipo ostium secundum, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro. Os custos foram coletados por microcusteio com base nos registros das intervenções terapêuticas (cirurgia convencional ou implante percutâneo de oclusor septal) realizadas em um hospital público federal especializado em cardiologia de alta complexidade. A análise identificou que os custos associados ao procedimento percutâneo de oclusor septal foram inferiores aos relacionados com a cirurgia convencional, a análise de sensibilidade confirmou a redução dos custos em diversos cenários e mostrou que o impacto no orçamento foi significativo a partir de uma taxa de incorporação de 30% do oclusor septal percutâneo pelo sistema de saúde (redução dos gastos em torno de 1,5 milhão de dólares por ano). O estudo indica que a adoção do implante percutâneo do oclusor septal pode representar uma economia de aproximadamente 3,5 milhões de dólares para o sistema de saúde brasileiro.

El estudio consistió en analizar el impacto presupuestario de la implementación del oclusor septal percutáneo para el tratamiento de defectos del tabique auricular del ostium secundum, desde la perspectiva del Sistema Único de Salud. Los costes incluidos en el modelo por la técnica de micro-coste se obtuvieron de los registros de las intervenciones terapéuticas (cirurgía convencional u oclusor septal percutáneo) en un hospital público federal, especializado en cardiología de alta complejidad. El análisis reveló que los costos asociados con el oclusor septal percutáneo fueron más bajos que los asociados con la cirugía convencional, un análisis de sensibilidad confirmó la reducción de costos en diferentes escenarios y mostró que el impacto fue significativo desde una tasa del 30% de incorporación del oclusor septal percutáneo por el sistema de salud (reducción en el gasto de alrededor de 1.5 millones de dolares por año). El estudio indica que la adopción del implante percutáneo del oclusor septal puede representar un ahorro de aproximadamente 3,5 millones de dólares anuales al sistema de salud brasileño.

Cost-effectiveness of procedures for treatment of ostium secundum atrial septal defects occlusion comparing conventional surgery and septal percutaneous implant.

OBJECTIVES: The study performs a cost-effectiveness analysis of procedures for atrial septal defects occlusion, comparing conventional surgery to septal percutaneous implant. METHODS: A model of analytical decision was structured with symmetric branches to estimate cost-effectiveness ratio between the procedures. The decision tree model was based on evidences gathered through meta-analysis of literature, and validated by a panel of specialists. The lower number of surgical procedures performed for atrial septal defects occlusion at each branch was considered as the effectiveness outcome. Direct medical costs and probabilities for each event were inserted in the model using data available from Brazilian public sector database system and information extracted from the literature review, using micro-costing technique. Sensitivity analysis included price variations of percutaneous implant. RESULTS: The results obtained from the decision model demonstrated that the percutaneous implant was more cost effective in cost-effectiveness analysis at a cost of US$8,936.34 with a reduction in the probability of surgery occurrence in 93% of the cases. Probability of atrial septal communication occlusion and cost of the implant are the determinant factors of cost-effectiveness ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The proposal of a decision model seeks to fill a void in the academic literature. The decision model proposed includes the outcomes that present major impact in relation to the overall costs of the procedure. The atrial septal defects occlusion using percutaneous implant reduces the physical and psychological distress to the patients in relation to the conventional surgery, which represent intangible costs in the context of economic evaluation.

[Analysis of cost-effectiveness of simvastatin versus atorvastatin in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events within the Brazilian public healthcare system]. / Análise de custo-efetividade da sinvastatina versus atorvastatina na prevenção secundária de eventos cardiovasculares no Sistema Único de Saúde Brasileiro.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to perform an economic evaluation analyzing the treatment with atorvastatin and simvastatin in comparison to placebo treatment, within the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (SUS) scenario, for patients with high risk of cardiovascular disease; analyzing if the additional cost related to statin treatment is justified by the clinical benefits expected, in terms of cardiovascular event and mortality reduction. METHODS: Cardiovascular event risk and mortality risk were used as outcomes. Statin efficacy at LDL-c and cardiovascular events levels lowering data was obtained from a systematic review of literature. A decision analytic model was developed to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing atorvastatin 10mg/day and simvastatin 40 mg/day to placebo treatment in patients with dyslipidemia in Brazil. The target population of this study was a hypothetic cohort of men and women with a mean age of 50 years old and high risk of cardiovascular disease. The model includes only direct costs obtained from Ambulatory and Hospital Information System and Price Database of Brazilian Ministry of Health. The comparative cost-effectiveness analysis itself was done through Excel spreadsheets covering a 5 -years time horizon. RESULTS: The result shows that atorvastatin 10mg/day in comparison to placebo has higher cost with higher effectiveness in the time horizon of 5 years (Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio of R$ 433.065,05 per life year gained). In this scenario atorvastatin is not cost effective in comparison to placebo. The simvastatin 40 mg/day appears to be a strategy with lower cost and higher effectiveness in comparison to placebo, in the time horizon analyzed (5 years). In the multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analysis, simvastatin showed 53% of the results in the quadrant with greater effectiveness and lower cost. CONCLUSIONS: This study is an important tool for public decision makers. The study can be used in the decision process of increasing cardiovascular disease treatment access with budgetary sustainability for Ministry of Health. In comparison to placebo, the results show that sinvastatin is a cost saving strategy while atorvastatin is not cost effective.

Acurácia do relacionamento probabilístico na avaliação da alta complexidade em cardiologia / Accuracy of probabilistic record linkage in the assessment of high-complexity cardiology procedures / Precisión de la relación probabilística en la evaluación de la alta complejidad en cardiología

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a viabilidade de estratégia de relacionamento probabilístico de bases de dados na identificação de óbitos de pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de alta complexidade em cardiologia. MÉTODOS: O custo de processamento foi estimado com base em 1.672 registros de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio, relacionados com todos os registros de óbito no Brasil em 2005. A acurácia do relacionamento baseou-se em linkage probabilístico entre 99 registros de autorização de internação hospitalar de pacientes submetidos a cirurgias cardíacas em instituto de referência em cardiologia, com status vital conhecido, e todos os registros de óbito do estado do Rio de Janeiro em 2005. O linkage foi realizado em quatro etapas: padronização das bases, blocagem, pareamento e classificação dos pares. Utilizou-se a blocagem em cinco passos, com chaves de blocagem com combinação de variáveis como soundex do primeiro e último nome, sexo e ano de nascimento. As variáveis utilizadas no pareamento foram "nome completo", com a utilização da distância de Levenshtein, e "data de nascimento". RESULTADOS: O segundo e o quinto passos de blocagem tiveram os maiores números de pares formados e os maiores tempos de processamento para o pareamento. O quarto passo demandou menor custo de processamento. No estudo de acurácia, após os cinco passos de blocagem, a sensibilidade do linkage foi de 90,6 por cento e a especificidade foi de 100 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: A estratégia de relacionamento probabilístico utilizada apresenta boa acurácia e poderá ser utilizada em estudos sobre a efetividade dos procedimentos de alta complexidade e alto custo em cardiologia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the viability of a probabilistic record linkage strategy to identify patients who underwent complex cardiology procedures among the total deceased population. METHODS: The processing cost was estimated based on 1,672 records of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting that were compared with all death records in Brazil in 2005. The accuracy of the linkage strategy was based on the probabilistic linkage of 99 hospital admissions records of patients, with known vital status, who underwent cardiac surgery at a single cardiology institute, with the death records of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, in 2005. Linkage was conducted in four stages: standardizing the databases, blocking, matching, and rating peers. Blocking in five steps was used, with blocking keys formed by a combination of variables such as soundex codes for the first and last names, sex, and year of birth. The variables used for matching were "full name" with the use of Levenshtein distance and "birth date". RESULTS: The second and fifth blocking steps resulted in the largest number of formed pairs and the largest processing times for the matching. The fourth step required a lower processing cost. In the accuracy study, after five blocking steps, the sensitivity of the linkage was 90.6 percent, and the specificity was 100 percent. CONCLUSIONS: The probabilistic strategy used has high accuracy and can be used in studies of the effectiveness of high-complexity, high-cost cardiology procedures.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la viabilidad de estrategia de relación probabilística en la identificación de pacientes sometidos a procedimientos de alta complejidad en cardiología. MÉTODOS: El costo de procesamiento fue calculado con base en 1.672 registros de pacientes sometidos a cirugía de revascularización del miocardio, relacionados con todos los registros de óbito en Brasil en 2005. La precisión de la relación se basó en linkage probabilística de 99 registros de autorización de internación hospitalaria de pacientes sometidos a cirugías cardíacas en instituto de referencia en cardiología, con status vital conocido, con todos los registros de óbito del estado de Rio de Janeiro en 2005. El linkage fue realizado en cuatro etapas: estandarización de las bases, blocaje, pareamiento y clasificación de los pares. Se utilizó blocaje en cinco pasos, con claves de blocaje con combinación de variables como soundex del primero y último nombre, sexo y año de nacimiento. Las variables utilizadas en el pareamiento fueron "nombre completo", con la utilización de la distancia de Levenshtein y "fecha de nacimiento". RESULTADOS: El segundo y el quinto pasos de blocaje tuvieron los mayores números de pares formados y los mayores tiempos de procesamiento para el pareamiento. El cuarto paso demandó menor costo de procesamiento. En el estudio de precisión, posterior a cinco pasos de blocaje, la sensibilidad del linkage fue de 90,6 por ciento y la especificidad fue de 100 por ciento. CONCLUSIONES: La estrategia de relación probabilística utilizada presenta buena precisión y podrá ser utilizada en estudios sobre la efectividad de los procedimientos de alta complejidad y alto costo en cardiología.

Accuracy of probabilistic record linkage in the assessment of high-complexity cardiology procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the viability of a probabilistic record linkage strategy to identify patients who underwent complex cardiology procedures among the total deceased population. METHODS: The processing cost was estimated based on 1,672 records of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting that were compared with all death records in Brazil in 2005. The accuracy of the linkage strategy was based on the probabilistic linkage of 99 hospital admissions records of patients, with known vital status, who underwent cardiac surgery at a single cardiology institute, with the death records of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, in 2005. Linkage was conducted in four stages: standardizing the databases, blocking, matching, and rating peers. Blocking in five steps was used, with blocking keys formed by a combination of variables such as Soundex codes for the first and last names, sex, and year of birth. The variables used for matching were "full name" with the use of Levenshtein distance and "birth date". RESULTS: The second and fifth blocking steps resulted in the largest number of formed pairs and the largest processing times for the matching. The fourth step required a lower processing cost. In the accuracy study, after five blocking steps, the sensitivity of the linkage was 90.6%, and the specificity was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The probabilistic strategy used has high accuracy and can be used in studies of the effectiveness of high-complexity, high-cost cardiology procedures.

Cost-effectiveness of prehospital versus inhospital thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that prehospital thrombolysis improves the outcome in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at comparing the cost-effectiveness of prehospital compared to inhospital thrombolysis for STEMI from the National Health System perspective. METHODS: A decision-analytic model was used to compare these two strategies. The study endpoint was life-years gained. Resource use and costs were estimated from the National Health System perspective. The Decision tree and Markov Model were constructed using the results of published clinical trials. Costs were expressed in Reais (R$), for the year 2005. RESULTS: For a time horizon of 20 years, prehospital thrombolysis had an average life expectancy of 11.48 years and inhospital thrombolysis had an average life expectancy of 11.32 years. Costs were R$ 5,640 for prehospital thrombolysis and R$ 5,816 for inhospital thrombolysis. Inhospital thrombolysis led to an additional cost of R$ 176 per patient. Pre-hospital thrombolysis led to additional 0.15 years of life-expectancy gain compared with inhospital thrombolysis. CONCLUSION: This model suggests that, from the National Health System perspective, implementing prehospital thrombolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may lead to extra survival and fewer costs when compared to inhospital thrombolysis.

Custo-efetividade da trombólise pré-hospitalar vs intra-hospitalar no infarto agudo do miocárdio / Cost-effectiveness of prehospital versus inhospital thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction

FUNDAMENTO: Existe evidência de que a trombólise pré-hospitalar melhora os desfechos no infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. OBJETIVO: Comparar as relações de custo-efetividade entre trombólise pré-hospitalar e trombólise intra-hospitalar para o IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, pela perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. MÉTODOS: Modelo analítico de decisão foi utilizado para comparar as duas estratégias. O desfecho do estudo foi "anos de vida ganhos". O uso de recursos e os custos foram estimados pela perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Árvore de decisão e modelo de Markov foram construídos com resultados de ensaios clínicos publicados. Os custos foram valorados em real (R$), para o ano de 2005. RESULTADOS: Para um horizonte de tempo de vinte anos, a expectativa de vida média com a trombólise pré-hospitalar foi de 11,48 anos e a trombólise intra-hospitalar proporcionou expectativa de vida média de 11,32 anos. Os custos foram de R$ 5.640,00 para a trombólise pré-hospitalar e de R$ 5.816,00 para a trombólise intra-hospitalar. Houve custo adicional de R$ 176,00 por paciente com a trombólise intra-hospitalar. A trombólise pré-hospitalar proporcionou adicional de 0,15 ano de expectativa de vida comparado à trombólise intra-hospitalar. CONCLUSÃO: Esse modelo sugere que, pela perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde, implementar a trombólise pré-hospitalar para o IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST pode representar sobrevida extra e menor custo que comparativamente à trombólise intra-hospitalar.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that prehospital thrombolysis improves the outcome in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at comparing the cost-effectiveness of prehospital compared to inhospital thrombolysis for STEMI from the National Health System perspective. METHODS: A decision-analytic model was used to compare these two strategies. The study endpoint was life-years gained. Resource use and costs were estimated from the National Health System perspective. The Decision tree and Markov Model were constructed using the results of published clinical trials. Costs were expressed in Reais (R$), for the year 2005. RESULTS: For a time horizon of 20 years, prehospital thrombolysis had an average life expectancy of 11.48 years and inhospital thrombolysis had an average life expectancy of 11.32 years. Costs were R$ 5,640 for prehospital thrombolysis and R$ 5,816 for inhospital thrombolysis. Inhospital thrombolysis led to an additional cost of R$ 176 per patient. Pre-hospital thrombolysis led to additional 0.15 years of life-expectancy gain compared with inhospital thrombolysis. CONCLUSION: This model suggests that, from the National Health System perspective, implementing prehospital thrombolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may lead to extra survival and fewer costs when compared to inhospital thrombolysis.

Valor preditivo da angina em detectar doença coronariana em pacientes com estenose aórtica grave a partir da quinta década de vida / Predictive value of angina to detect coronary artery disease in patients with severe aortic stenosis aged 50 years or older

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é verificar o valor de previsão da angina de peito no diagnóstico da DAC em pacientes portadores de EA, a partir da quinta década de vida. MÉTODOS: A população estudada foi constituída por 186 pacientes consecutivos com EA e idade e" 50 anos, referidos para cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica entre junho de 1989 e setembro de 2004. Cinecoronariografia de rotina foi realizada em todos os pacientes. Cento e um eram homens (54,3 por cento) e 85, mulheres (45,7 por cento), com idade de 66±8 anos. Angina estava presente em 124 pacientes (66,7 por cento). O gradiente máximo transvalvar aórtico foi de 89,4±27,6 mmHg e a área valvar aórtica de 0,59±0,17 cm2. Calculamos a sensibilidade, a especificidade, o valor de previsão positivo e negativo e a razão de verossimilhança positiva da angina na predição da presença de DAC. RESULTADOS: DAC estava presente em 93 pacientes (50 por cento). Dos 124 pacientes com angina, 68 (54,8 por cento) apresentavam DAC; enquanto dos 62 sem angina, 25 apresentavam DAC (40,3 por cento). Portanto, a sensibilidade da angina para DAC foi de 73,1 por cento, a especificidade de 39,7 por cento, valor preditivo positivo de 54,8 por cento, valor preditivo negativo de 59,6 por cento e razão de verossimilhança positiva de 1,6. CONCLUSÃO: A angina de peito não é bom preditor da presença de DAC em pacientes com EA a partir da quinta década de vida.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the value of angina pectoris as a predictor of CAD (coronary artery disease) in patients with AS (aortic stenosis) during and beyond the 5th decade of life. METHODS: The study population consisted of 186 consecutive patients with AS and e" 50 years of age, referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) between June 1989 and September 2004. Routine coronary angiography was performed for all patients. One hundred and one patients were males (54.3 percent) and 85 were females (45.7 percent), and the mean age was 66±8 years. One hundred and twenty-four patients (66.7 percent) had angina. The maximum transvalve gradient was 89.4±27.6 mmHg, and the aortic valve area measured 0.59±0.17 cm2. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, as well as the likelihood ratio of a positive test result for angina in predicting the presence of CAD. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients (50 percent) had CAD. Of the 124 patients with angina, 68 (54.8 percent) had CAD, whereas of the 62 patients without angina, 25 had CAD (40.3 percent) (p=0.087). Therefore, the diagnostic sensitivity of angina to detect CAD was 73.1 percent, specificity was 39.7 percent, positive predictive value was 54.8 percent, negative predictive value was 59.6 percent, and the likelihood ratio of a positive test result was 1.6. CONCLUSION: Angina pectoris is not a good predictor of CAD in patients with AS who are more than 50 years of age.