Eight years of sales surveillance of antimicrobials for veterinary use in Germany-What are the perceptions?

A surveillance system for sales volumes of antimicrobial agents for veterinary use was established in Germany in 2011. Since then, pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers have been legally obliged to report annual volumes of veterinary antimicrobial products sold to veterinary practices or clinics located in Germany. The evaluation of sales volumes for eight consecutive years resulted in a considerable total decrease by 58% from 1706 tons to 722 tons. During the investigation period, two legally binding measures to control the risk of antimicrobial resistance resulting from the veterinary use of antimicrobials were introduced, a) the German treatment frequencies benchmarking in 2014 and b) the obligation to conduct susceptibility testing for the use of cephalosporins of the 3rd and 4th generation and of fluoroquinolones in 2018. Both had a marked impact on sales volumes. Nonetheless, the category of Critically Important Antimicrobials as defined by the World Health Organization kept accounting for the highest share on sales volumes in Germany in 2018 with 403 tons, despite an overall reduction by 53%. Sales surveillance is considered essential for data retrieval on a global scale and inter-country comparison. However, the usability of a surveillance system based on sales data for risk management of antimicrobial resistance has limitations. The German system does not include off-label use of antimicrobial products authorized for human medicine and does not allow for identification of areas of high risk according to animal species, farm and production types and indications for treatment. For further reduction and enhanced promotion of a prudent use of antimicrobials, targeted measures would be required that could only be deducted from use data collected at farm or veterinary practice level. A surveillance system based on use data is currently lacking in Germany but will be established according to Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products.

Evaluation of animal feeds for the presence of three important antibiotic classes in Bhutan.

OBJECTIVES: An alarming rate of emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally has urged Bhutan to take firm steps towards antibiotic stewardship through rational use in humans, animals and agriculture. This study aimed to investigate the use of three important antibiotic classes in animal feeds in Bhutan. METHODS: Thirteen samples were selected randomly from a pool of feed samples submitted by bidders for Annual Animal Feed Tender (fiscal year 2015-2016) of the Department of Livestock. The 13 samples were tested for nitrofurans and their metabolites, tetracyclines and sulphonamides. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the feed samples for the presence of three antibiotic classes and, if present, to understand the level of presence (mg/kg) in terms of AMR emergence and spread in a Bhutanese context. RESULTS: Two feed samples, belonging to Indian Feed Agents, tested positive for oxytetracycline at levels of 0.072mg/kg and 0.037mg/kg, respectively. Compared with the Feed Additive Compendium recommended dose (10-50g/ton) of oxytetracycline for poultry, the levels found in these two feeds were low. Samples testing positive for antibiotics were rejected in the bidding procedure as being medicated at prophylactic levels and could be the cause of emergence and spread of AMR in the country. CONCLUSION: Although the samples containing antibiotics were rejected by the Department of Livestock for use in government farms, some farmers may still use medicated feeds. Therefore, more screening needs to be conducted to further confirm and to prevent antibiotic abuse in animal feed in Bhutan.

Influence of Market Competition on Tetracycline Pricing and Impact of Price Increases on Clinician Prescribing Behavior.

Oral tetracyclines are commonly used for acne and other conditions. Recent generic price increases threaten access to these medications. Using the OptumInsight Clinformatics DataMart, we retrospectively evaluated the underlying factors behind these price increases for oral tetracylines using the framework of a competitive market and evaluated the impact of these price increases on prescribing practices. Between 2011 and 2013, the mean cost of doxycycline hyclate prescriptions increased from $7.16 to $139.89 and the mean out-of-pocket cost increased by $9.69. A comparable cost increase was not observed for doxycycline monohydrate or minocycline. There was no significant association between the cost of doxycycline hyclate and market concentration as assessed by the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (ß = 0.030, 95% confidence interval -0.019 to 0.079, P = 0.213) and the market was highly concentrated throughout the study period. The percentage of prescriptions for doxycycline hyclate decreased by 1.9% from 2011 to 2013. This dramatic increase in the cost of doxycycline hyclate is not easily explained using the framework of a competitive market, suggesting that noncompetitive market forces may be responsible. In addition, clinicians have not altered their prescribing behavior in response to this price increase, suggesting that clinician or pharmacy level interventions could potentially increase the use of less costly substitutes.

Cost of Medications Recommended by Canadian Acne Clinical Practice Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Acne affects a large proportion of the Canadian population and has psychosocial and financial consequences. OBJECTIVE: We provide cost information for treatments recommended by the Canadian acne guidelines. METHODS: Highest level recommendations were selected for 3-month usage cost. RESULTS: Three-month estimated treatment costs were as follows: topical retinoids ($14.40-$73.80), benzoyl peroxide (BPO; $6.75), fixed-dose BPO-clindamycin ($40.95-$44.10) and BPO-adapalene ($73.80), oral antibiotics ($25.20 for tetracycline 250 mg qid; $52.20 and $52.74 for doxycycline 50 mg bid and 100 mg od, respectively), and hormonal therapy ($26.46-$37.80 for ethinyl estradiol [EE] 0.030 mg/drospirenone 3mg and $75.60-108.99 for EE 0.035 mg/cyproterone acetate 2 mg). Oral isotretinoin 3-month costs ranged from $393.96 to $478.80. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of costs of recommended treatments may facilitate improved outcomes by increasing procurement and adherence.

Antibacterial resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) from healthy carriers and tonsillitis patients and association with antibacterial sale in the Faroe Islands.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial resistance of Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), and correlate the findings with the sales of erythromycin and tetracycline. General practitioners in the Faroe Islands were recruited to send oropharyngeal swabs. From an ongoing pneumococcal study, nasopharyngeal swabs were sampled from healthy children 0-7 years of age. Erythromycin susceptibility data from Iceland were obtained from the reference laboratory at the Landspitali University Hospital. Susceptibility testing in the Faroe Islands and Iceland was performed according to CLSI methods and criteria. The resistance rate to erythromycin and tetracycline found in patients in the Faroe Islands in 2009/2010 was 6% and 30% respectively. Tetracycline resistance in patients declined significantly from 2009 to 2010 (37-10%, p-value = 0.006 < 0.05) and differed significantly between age groups (p-value = 0.03 < 0.05). In Iceland, there was a peak in erythromycin resistance in 2008 (44%) and a substantial decrease in 2009 (5%). Although the prevalence of erythromycin and tetracycline resistance in the Faroe Islands and Iceland may be associated with antimicrobial use, sudden changes can occur with the introduction of new resistant clones.

Furazolidone, tetracycline and omeprazole: a low-cost alternative for Helicobacter pylori eradication in children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate furazolidone, tetracycline and omeprazole as first line therapy for Helicobacter pylori in children with digestive symptoms. METHODS: Prospective and consecutive open trial. The study included patients older than 8 years old with functional dyspepsia, functional abdominal pain, severe histological abnormalities (intestinal metaplasia, gastric atrophy or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) or peptic ulcer. H. pylori status was defined based both upon histology and rapid urease test. Drug regimen was a 7-day course of omeprazol, tetracycline (or doxycycline) and furazolidone twice daily. Eradication was assessed by upper endoscopy 2 months after treatment (histology and rapid urease test). Further clinical evaluation was done 7 days and 2 months after treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (21 female/15 male) were included. Age ranged from 8 to 19 years (mean 12.94+/-2.89 years). On intention-to-treat analysis (n = 36), eradication rate was 83.3% (95%CI 77.1-89.5) whereas in per-protocol analysis (n = 29), it was 89.7% (95%CI 84.6-94.7). Compliance was better when doxycycline was used, but the success rates were similar for the two tetracyclines. There was no variable associated with treatment failure. Side effects were reported in 17 patients (47.2%), mainly abdominal pain (11/30.5%), nausea (seven/19.4%) and vomiting (five/13.9%). CONCLUSION: Triple therapy with furazolidone and tetracycline is a low-cost alternative regimen to treat H. pylori infection.

Furazolidona, tetraciclina e omeprazol: uma alternativa de baixo custo para erradicação de Helicobacter pylori em crianças / Furazolidone, tetracycline and omeprazole: a low-cost alternative for Helicobacter pylori eradication in children

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar furazolidona, tetraciclina e omeprazol como tratamento de primeira linha para Helicobacter pylori em crianças com sintomas digestivos. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico aberto, prospectivo e consecutivo. O estudo incluiu pacientes acima de 8 anos com dispepsia funcional, dor abdominal funcional, anormalidades histológicas graves (metaplasia intestinal, atrofia gástrica ou linfoma do tecido linfóide associado às mucosas) ou úlcera péptica. A presença de H. pylori foi definida com base em exame histológico e teste da urease. O regime medicamentoso consistiu de um tratamento de 7 dias com omeprazol, tetraciclina (ou doxiciclina) e furazolidona duas vezes por dia. A erradicação foi avaliada através de endoscopia digestiva alta 2 meses após o tratamento (exame histológico e teste da urease). Avaliações clínicas posteriores foram realizadas 7 dias e 2 meses após o tratamento. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 36 pacientes (21 meninas/15 meninos). A idade variou de 8 a 19 anos (média de 12,94+2,89 anos). Na análise por intenção de tratar (n = 36), a taxa de erradicação foi de 83,3 por cento (IC95 por cento 77,1-89,5), ao passo que na análise por protocolo (n = 29), foi de 89,7 por cento (IC95 por cento 84,6-94,7). A adesão foi melhor quando se utilizou doxiciclina, mas as taxas de sucesso foram semelhantes para as duas tetraciclinas. Não houve nenhuma variável associada à falha no tratamento. Foram relatados efeitos colaterais em 17 pacientes (47,2 por cento), principalmente dor abdominal (11/30,5 por cento), náusea (sete/19,4 por cento) e vômitos (cinco/13,9 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A terapia tripla com furazolidona e tetraciclina é uma alternativa de baixo custo para o tratamento da infecção pelo H. pylori.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate furazolidone, tetracycline and omeprazole as first line therapy for Helicobacter pylori in children with digestive symptoms. METHODS: Prospective and consecutive open trial. The study included patients older than 8 years old with functional dyspepsia, functional abdominal pain, severe histological abnormalities (intestinal metaplasia, gastric atrophy or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) or peptic ulcer. H. pylori status was defined based both upon histology and rapid urease test. Drug regimen was a 7-day course of omeprazol, tetracycline (or doxycycline) and furazolidone twice daily. Eradication was assessed by upper endoscopy 2 months after treatment (histology and rapid urease test). Further clinical evaluation was done 7 days and 2 months after treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (21 female/15 male) were included. Age ranged from 8 to 19 years (mean 12.94+2.89 years). On intention-to-treat analysis (n = 36), eradication rate was 83.3 percent (95 percentCI 77.1-89.5) whereas in per-protocol analysis (n = 29), it was 89.7 percent (95 percentCI 84.6-94.7). Compliance was better when doxycycline was used, but the success rates were similar for the two tetracyclines. There was no variable associated with treatment failure. Side effects were reported in 17 patients (47.2 percent), mainly abdominal pain (11/30.5 percent), nausea (seven/19.4 percent) and vomiting (five/13.9 percent). CONCLUSION: Triple therapy with furazolidone and tetracycline is a low-cost alternative regimen to treat H. pylori infection.

Cost-effectiveness of trachoma control in seven world regions.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The fight against blinding trachoma is being addressed with an integrated strategy of surgery, antibiotics, hygiene promotion, and environmental improvement-the SAFE strategy, but its cost-effectiveness is largely unknown. This paper estimates the cost effectiveness of surgery and antibiotics in trachoma-endemic areas in seven world regions. METHODS: A population model was applied to follow the lifelong impact on individuals receiving trachoma control. Intervention costs and effectiveness estimates were based on a combination of primary data collection and literature review. RESULTS: Providing trichiasis surgery to 80% of those who need it would avert over 11 million DALYs per year globally, with cost effectiveness ranging from I$13 to I$78 per DALY averted across regions. Mass antibiotic treatment of all children using azythromycin at prevailing market prices would avert more than 4 million DALYs per year globally with cost-effectiveness ranging between I$9,000 and I$65,000 per DALY averted. The intervention is only cost-effective if azythromycin is donated or becomes available at reduced prices. Mass treatment of all children with tetracycline and targeted treatment with azythromycin are not cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: As individual components of the SAFE strategy, trichiasis surgery for trachoma is a cost-effective way of restoring sight in all epidemiological sub-regions considered, as is the use of azythromycin, if donated or at reduced prices. Large study uncertainties do not change study conclusions. The results should be interpreted in the context of the overall SAFE strategy to address issues of sustainability.

Pretreatment antimicrobial susceptibility testing is cost saving in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The major obstacle to 100% effective eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection is represented by antimicrobial-resistant H. pylori strains. This randomized study was designed to evaluate whether regimens based on pretreatment susceptibility testing were more effective and cost saving compared with standard nonsusceptibility testing-based therapy in the eradication of H. pylori infection. METHODS: We studied 150 consecutive H. pylori-infected dyspeptic subjects. Patients were randomly assigned to omeprazole 20 mg twice daily, clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 7 days or to omeprazole 20 mg twice daily and 2 antimicrobials chosen based on susceptibility testing. H. pylori status was reevaluated 12 weeks after the end of treatment by the (13)C-urea breath test. RESULTS: Susceptibility testing-based regimens led to the following results. (1) Eradication rates were 97.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.2%-99.5%) (71 of 73) and 94.6% (95% CI, 87.6%-98.3%) (71 of 75) in the per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis, respectively. These were significantly higher (P < 0.005) than eradication rates obtained without susceptibility testing, that is, 79.4% (95% CI, 69.1%-87.6%) (58 of 73) and 77.3% (95% CI, 66.9%-85.7%) (58 of 75) in the per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses, respectively. (2) There were savings of approximately $5 U.S. per patient compared with standard triple therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment antimicrobial susceptibility testing is more effective and cost saving and, in health systems that confirm cost advantage, microbial susceptibility testing should be routinely used for eradication of H. pylori infection.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of 2 strategies of Helicobacter pylori eradication: results of a prospective and randomized study in primary care]. / Análisis coste-efectividad de dos estrategias de erradicación de Helicobacter pylori: resultados de un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado en atención primaria.

BACKGROUND: To analyze cost-effectiveness of two different strategies to treat H. pylori infection in peptic ulcer in the primary care setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with endoscopic diagnosis of peptic ulcer were randomized to one of two strategies: a) treatment during 7 days with omeprazole, tetracycline, metronidazole and bismuth subcitrate ("quadruple" therapy) and if failure second-line treatment with omeprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin during 7 days (OCA7), and b) initial treatment with OCA7 and if failure treatment with "quadruple therapy". End point was eradication 8 weeks after last treatment dose. Direct and indirect costs were estimated (euros, 1997) and a cost-effectiveness analysis using a decision-tree model was undertaken after real clinical data. 95% confidence intervals are given. RESULTS: After screening 255 patients, 97 were finally included. 48 patients were given strategy a and 49 strategy b. Eradication was obtained (intention-to-treat) in 72.9% (CI 95%: 58.2-84.7) in group a versus 91.8% (CI 95%: 80.4-97.7) (p < 0.05) in group b. Mean cost per case treated was lower in group a (237 versus 268 euros) but cost per case eradicated was lower in group b (320 versus 296 euros). The cost was primarily determined by efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with OCA7 followed by rescue with "quadruple" therapy if failure is more efficient in our area that the inverse strategy. Efficiency is mostly determined by efficacy.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of artesunate and quinine + tetracycline for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Chanthaburi, Thailand.

A randomized, controlled, malaria-clinic-based field trial was carried out to compare the cost-effectiveness of a 5-day 700-mg oral artesunate and a 7-day quinine + tetracycline regimen for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Thailand. Cost-effectiveness was determined from the providers' perspective and based on curative effectiveness. A total of 137 patients, aged 15-60 years, attending a malaria clinic were followed for 28 days, 60 of them received quinine + tetracycline and 77 received artesunate. Cure rates were assessed on day 5 (artesunate) and day 7 (quinine + tetracycline), using the intention-to-treat approach. Cost-effectiveness and sensitivity analyses were performed by varying the day 5/day 7 curative effectiveness and cost of artesunate. The cure rate with artesunate (100%) was significantly higher than with quinine + tetracycline (77.4%) (relative risk adjusted for sex (aRR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-1.55; referent quinine + tetracycline). Artesunate was more cost-effective than quinine + tetracycline at the following costs: artesunate, < or = US$0.36 per 50-mg tablet; quinine, US$0.06 per 300-mg tablet; tetracycline, US$0.02 per 250-mg capsule; and services per case found, < or = US$11.49. Because of the higher cure rate and higher cost-effectiveness of the artesunate regimen compared with quinine + tetracycline, we recommend its use for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in malaria clinics in Thailand.

PIP: Findings are presented from a randomized, controlled, malaria clinic-based field trial conducted to compare the cost-effectiveness of a 5-day 700 mg oral artesunate and a 7-day quinine and tetracycline regimen to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Thailand. Cost-effectiveness was determined from the providers' perspective and based upon curative effectiveness. 137 patients, aged 15-60 years, attending a malaria clinic were followed for 28 days. 60 received quinine and tetracycline, while 77 received artesunate. Cure rates were assessed on day 5 (artesunate) and day 7 (quinine and tetracycline). The cure rate with artesunate was 100%, significantly higher than the 77.4% rate with quinine and tetracycline. Artesunate was more cost-effective than quinine and tetracycline, with artesunate costing a maximum of US$0.36 per 50 mg tablet, quinine at US$0.06 per 300 mg tablet, tetracycline at US$0.02 per 250 mg capsule, and services per case found no higher than US$11.49.

The pharmacoeconomic impact of antimicrobial therapy for peptic ulcer disease in a large urban jail.

PURPOSE: To determine the pharmacoeconomic impact of antimicrobial treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in a large urban jail. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective comparison of PUD-related pharmacy and laboratory expenditures over a 2-year period before and after the institution of a PUD treatment protocol with the priority of Helicobacter pylori eradication for inmates in Rikers Island Correctional Facility. RESULTS: After the protocol was adopted, total pharmacy-related and laboratory-related expenses for PUD care decreased by 40.2%, and expenditures for ranitidine declined by 52.2%. There was an increase in spending for antimicrobial agents and H. pylori antibody testing, but this was insignificant compared to the savings generated by decreased ranitidine usage. Annual savings in our facility as a result of this intervention were $123,449. CONCLUSIONS: Modern therapeutic strategies for PUD aimed at eradicating H. pylori can result in significant savings in the institutional setting; these savings are largely attributable to the decreased usage of histamine-2 receptor antagonists.

Immunisation of cattle in Zimbabwe using Theileria parva (Boleni) without concurrent tetracycline therapy.

Five hundred and ten cattle were immunised using the Theileria parva (Boleni) stock without concurrent chemotherapy with tetracycline on 2 farms in Zimbabwe, both of which had a history of theileriosis. The stabilate had been titrated in Friesian calves to determine a 50% protective dose (PD50) and 2 or 3 (PD50s) were used to immunise the cattle. None of the cattle showed a clinical reaction following the immunisation procedure. However, the cattle were shown to have responded immunologically on testing for antibodies to a T. parva antigen in an indirect fluorescent antibody test. The immunised cattle were then exposed to a natural field challenge causing severe theileriosis in control cattle. Immunisation against theileriosis without the need for concurrent chemotherapy is much less expensive than the infection and treatment method (US $2.72) compared to US $10.23 in the first year) and would be much more attractive to commercial and traditional farmers.

Pharmacoeconomic comparison of treatments for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Helicobacter pylori-induced duodenal ulcer should have their infection eradicated. The optimal choice of antibiotic therapy, however, is less clear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate costs and outcomes of treatment with 8 antibiotic regimens with documented activity against H pylori vs maintenance therapy with histamine2-receptor antagonists (H2RA). METHODS: A meta-analysis for 119 studies enrolling 6416 patients to determine aggregate eradication rates. The complexity of each regimen was used to determine the anticipated compliance rate and actual effectiveness. A decision analytic model with Monte Carlo simulation determined annual costs and health outcomes. RESULTS: Average annual total costs of testing for H pylori infection and antibiotic treatment ranged from $223 to $410 and prevented ulcer recurrence in 70% to 86% of patients. The H2RA maintenance therapy cost $425 and prevented recurrence in 72% of patients. The lowest costs and recurrence rates were achieved by 3 regimens: standard triple therapy (a combination of bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline hydrochloride) for 14 days ($223, with 18% recurrence); a combination of clarithromycin, metronidazole, and a proton pump inhibitor for 7 days ($235, with 15% recurrence); and standard triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor for 7 days ($236, with 14% recurrence). CONCLUSION: Treatment with any regimen resulted in lower costs compared with H2RA maintenance therapy. Three antibiotic regimens had consistently lower costs and better outcomes: standard triple therapy for 14 days, metronidazole, clarithromycin, and a proton pump inhibitor for 7 days, and standard triple therapy plus a proton pump inhibitor for 7 days.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of five different antibiotic regimens for the treatment of uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis cervicitis.

BACKGROUND: The new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines for Chlamydia trachomatis include two recently available drugs, azithromycin and ofloxacin. The best choice for initial therapy remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: We wanted to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of five different antibiotic regimens for the treatment of uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis cervicitis. METHODS: Using information gathered from a MEDLINE search of the English language literature from 1966 to 1994, employing the key words "cervicitis," "C. trachomatis," "erythromycin," "tetracycline," "doxycycline," "ofloxacin," and "azithromycin," we developed a decision analysis model specific for a nonpregnant woman with uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis cervicitis. Options in this model included an initially cured infection, a failed initial cure resulting in persistent cervicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease treated either on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Probability estimates for each option were derived from previously published reports. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed for three end points: cost per cure with initial therapy, cost per case of pelvic inflammatory disease averted, and cost per hospitalization averted. Sensitivity analyses were done by varying the cure rates for each antibiotic and the complication rates for failed therapy. The costs incurred for treatment were also varied. RESULTS: Using the high estimate for initial cure rates, doxycycline and tetracycline were the most cost-effective agents. Azithromycin was the next most cost-effective agent, followed by ofloxacin and erythromycin. To achieve an equivalent final cost, the probability of initial cure with azithromycin must exceed that of doxycycline by 3 percentage points. As the cost of azithromycin decreases, the difference in initial cure rates between the two drugs to achieve an equivalent final cost becomes smaller. CONCLUSIONS: Doxycycline remains the drug of choice in the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis cervicitis. The results favor the use of azithromycin rather than doxycycline when there is concern for compliance to the standard doxycycline regimen. A lower cost for azithromycin could favor its use as the drug of choice.

Sclerotherapy for malignant pleural effusions: alternatives to tetracycline.

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) causes significant morbidity in cancer patients. Management is often challenging because of the recurrent nature of MPE and the inconsistent response rates of various treatments. In patients whose underlying malignancy is unresponsive to systemic chemotherapy or radiation, MPE is usually managed by tube thoracostomy with subsequent sclerotherapy. Selection of a sclerosing agent should be based on several factors, including efficacy, toxicity, cost, and convenience. Of the numerous agents available for managing MPE, doxycycline, bleomycin, and talc have emerged as the most promising. Even these agents have disadvantages, such as the high cost of bleomycin and the possible need for multiple dosing of doxycycline. Talc is clearly the most controversial of the three. Although its efficacy is well documented, its role remains unclear because of its unattractive side effect profile and inconvenient preparation and administration. Results of controlled comparative trials are needed to identify the optimal sclerosing agent.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of periodontal disease control.

Cost-effectiveness analysis was used to evaluate alternative methods of periodontal disease control. The alternatives considered included non-surgical and surgical procedures as well as the use of antimicrobial agents. Data on costs were obtained from American Dental Association publications of average charges for periodontal services. The concept of quality-adjusted tooth-years (QATYs) was developed to provide an outcome measure which could be compared across treatments. The conclusions of this analysis are as follows: (1) Conservative non-surgical treatments for periodontal disease control not only have costs lower than surgical alternatives, as would be expected, but also maximize expected quality-adjusted tooth-years over a wide range of estimates; (2) antimicrobial therapy used as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment is likely to be both effective and cost-effective; and (3) quality of tooth-years is a critical consideration in the determination of outcome of periodontal treatment. For example, when tooth-years are not adjusted for quality, differences between treatments are diminished, and surgical treatment becomes as good as or better than more conservative treatments for some levels of disease severity.