Modeling the potential efficiency of a blood biomarker-based tool to guide pre-hospital thrombolytic therapy in stroke patients.

OBJECTIVES: Stroke treatment with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is effective and efficient, but as its benefits are highly time dependent, it is essential to treat the patient promptly after symptom onset. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a blood biomarker test to differentiate ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke to guide pre-hospital treatment with tPA in patients with suspected stroke, compared with standard hospital management. The standard care for patients suffering stroke consists mainly in diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization and monitoring. METHODS: A Markov model was built with four health states according to the modified Rankin scale, in adult patients with suspected moderate to severe stroke (NIHSS 4-22) within 4.5 hours after symptom onset. A Spanish Health System perspective was used. The time horizon was 15 years. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and life-years gained (LYGs) were used as a measure of effectiveness. Short- and long-term direct health costs were included. Costs were expressed in Euros (2022). A discount rate of 3% was used. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis and several one-way sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The use of a blood-test biomarker compared with standard care was associated with more QALYs (4.87 vs. 4.77), more LYGs (7.18 vs. 7.07), and greater costs (12,807€ vs. 12,713€). The ICER was 881€/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the biomarker test was cost-effective in 82% of iterations using a threshold of 24,000€/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a blood biomarker test to guide pre-hospital thrombolysis is cost-effective compared with standard hospital care in patients with ischemic stroke.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pertuzumab Plus Trastuzumab and Docetaxel Compared With Trastuzumab and Docetaxel in the Adjuvant Treatment of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: The addition of pertuzumab to the scheme of docetaxel plus trastuzumab (TH) in patients with metastatic breast cancer with overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 increases survival. Nevertheless, this addition could represent a high cost for the health system of a middle-income country such as Colombia. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the efficiency of the pertuzumab plus TH (PTH) scheme in comparison with TH. METHODS: A partitioned survival model-based cost-utility analysis was performed. Progression-free survival and overall survival curves for each scheme were obtained from the CLEOPATRA study. The time horizon was 30 years with a discount rate of 5% for costs and quality-adjusted life-years. Total direct costs were calculated using national tariffs. Utilities were obtained from external sources. Model uncertainty was evaluated by deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. A willingness to pay value of 5180 US dollars was used. RESULTS: The discounted total average costs of TH and PTH were $24 109 and $60 846, respectively. These regimens' average life-years were 5.78 and 8.38, and their quality-adjusted life-years were 3.28 and 4.51, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $29 867. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of pertuzumab was the variable that explained the uncertainty in the model. The probability that PTH is cost-effective in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis is 0.0724. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of pertuzumab to the TH regimen in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer has a low probability of being cost-effective from the payer's perspective in the Colombian health system.

Optimal Allocation of Chemotherapy Schemes for Metastatic Colon Cancer in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the optimal proportion for different chemotherapy schemes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have undergone surgical resection in Colombia. METHODS: A linear programming model was used to quantify the optimal proportion of the chemotherapy schemes that maximize quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The model was evaluated in 6 different scenarios using parametric and dynamic optimization with different budget restriction constraints. The results were compared to the current mixture of schemes used in our country. RESULTS: The results show that 63%, 37%, and 0.8% of the population should receive the FOLFOXIRI scheme (fluorouracil + leucovorin + oxaliplatin + irinotecan), FOLFIRI (irinotecan + leucovorin + fluorouracil), and FOLFIRI plus cetuximab, respectively. With these proportions, 8734 QALYs and universal coverage of the population are obtained. In an optimistic scenario (high QALYs, low costs, and budget of $40 million), the entire population should receive the FOLFIRI scheme. A pessimistic scenario (low QALYs, high costs, and budget of $15 million) would benefit only 46% of the population with the fluorouracil plus leucovorin scheme. In the other 3 scenarios with higher budget constraints, 52%, 69%, and 86% of the population should receive FOLFIRI, respectively. Dynamic optimization revealed that FOLFIRI and FOLFOX (oxaliplatin + leucovorin + fluorouracil) schemes are more likely to generate higher QALYs with lower costs and a limited budget. CONCLUSIONS: The current use of chemotherapy schemes is not optimal. An increasing proportion of FOLFIRI, FOLFOX, and FOLFOXIRI should be used more often as schemes to treat metastatic colorectal cancer in Colombia.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of nonoperative management versus open and laparoscopic surgery for uncomplicated acute appendicitis in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, uncomplicated acute appendicitis (AA) has been treated with appendectomy. However, the surgical alternatives might carry out significant complications, impaired quality of life, and higher costs than nonoperative treatment. Consequently, it is necessary to evaluate the different therapeutic alternatives' cost-effectiveness in patients diagnosed with uncomplicated appendicitis. METHODS: We performed a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis comparing nonoperative management (NOM) with open appendectomy (OA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in patients otherwise healthy adults aged 18-60 years with a diagnosis of uncomplicated AA from the payer´s perspective at the secondary and tertiary health care level. The time horizon was 5 years. A discount rate of 5% was applied to both costs and outcomes. The health outcomes were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Costs were identified, quantified, and valorized from a payer perspective; therefore, only direct health costs were included. An incremental analysis was estimated to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). In addition, the net monetary benefit (NMB) was calculated for each alternative using a willingness to pay lower than one gross domestic product. A deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. METHODS: We performed a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis comparing nonoperative management (NOM) with open appendectomy (OA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in patients otherwise healthy adults aged 18-60 years with a diagnosis of uncomplicated AA from the payer's perspective at the secondary and tertiary health care level. The time horizon was five years. A discount rate of 5% was applied to both costs and outcomes. The health outcomes were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Costs were identified, quantified, and valorized from a payer perspective; therefore, only direct health costs were included. An incremental analysis was estimated to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). In addition, the net monetary benefit (NMB) was calculated for each alternative using a willingness to pay lower than one gross domestic product. A deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS: LA presents a lower cost ($363 ± 35) than OA ($384 ± 41) and NOM ($392 ± 44). NOM exhibited higher QALYs (3.3332 ± 0.0276) in contrast with LA (3.3310 ± 0.057) and OA (3.3261 ± 0.0707). LA dominated the OA. The ICER between LA and NOM was $24,000/QALY. LA has a 52% probability of generating the highest NMB versus its counterparts, followed by NOM (30%) and OA (18%). There is a probability of 0.69 that laparoscopy generates more significant benefit than medical management. The mean value of that incremental NMB would be $93.7 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: LA is a cost-effectiveness alternative in the management of patients with uncomplicated AA. Besides, LA has a high probability of producing more significant monetary benefits than NOM and OA from the payer's perspective in the Colombian health system.

Cost-Effectiveness of the Addition of Bevacizumab to First-Line Chemotherapy With Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the addition of bevacizumab to first-line chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the perspective of the Colombian health system. METHODS: A Markov model was employed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of bevacizumab + carboplatin + paclitaxel (BCP) compared with carboplatin + paclitaxel (CP) in the treatment of NSCLS during a 4-year period. The health outcome was the number of life-years gained (LYG) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) obtained from the survival curves reported in a clinical study. Costs were estimated using national tariff and reported in US dollars at a date in 2019. Costs and effectiveness outcomes were discounted at a rate of 3.5% per year. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed on important parameters with a Monte Carlo simulation. RESULTS: The costs of BCP and CP were $30 341 and $11 735, respectively. The LYG for BCP and CP were 0.34 and 0.29, respectively. The QALY for BCP and CP were 0.27 and 0.23. The ICER of BCP versus CP was $ 465 150 QALY. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation showed that CP was cost-effective in 100% of the iterations compared with BCP. CONCLUSION: The addition of bevacizumab to the scheme carboplatin + paclitaxel compared to carboplatin + paclitaxel for NSCLC is not cost-effective from the point of view of the Colombian health system.

Economic Evaluations Informed Exclusively by Real World Data: A Systematic Review.

Economic evaluations using Real World Data (RWD) has been increasing in the very recent years, however, this source of information has several advantages and limitations. The aim of this review was to assess the quality of full economic evaluations (EE) developed using RWD. A systematic review was carried out through articles from the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Included were studies that employed RWD for both costs and effectiveness. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Of the 14,011 studies identified, 93 were included. Roughly half of the studies were carried out in a hospital setting. The most frequently assessed illnesses were neoplasms while the most evaluated interventions were pharmacological. The main source of costs and effects of RWD were information systems. The most frequent clinical outcome was survival. Some 47% of studies met at least 80% of CHEERS criteria. Studies were conducted with samples of 100-1000 patients or more, were randomized, and those that reported bias controls were those that fulfilled most CHEERS criteria. In conclusion, fewer than half the studies met 80% of the CHEERS checklist criteria.

Cost-Effectiveness of Combination Therapy Versus Monotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Colombian Experience.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of pharmacological treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia from the payer's perspective. METHODS: The cost-effectiveness of 5 mg finasteride, 0.5 mg dutasteride, 10 mg alfuzosin, 10 mg terazosin, 0.4 mg tamsulosin, 4 mg doxazosin, and the combination therapy of 5 mg finasteride and 8 mg doxazosin was evaluated using a Markov model over a 30-year period. The costs were estimated using national tariffs and were reported in US dollars. Cost and effectiveness outcomes were discounted at a rate of 5% per year. Men (aged ≥40 years) with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms and uncomplicated benign prostatic hyperplasia were included in the analysis. Outcomes included costs and quality-adjusted life-years. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed on important parameters with Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS: Finasteride alone or in combination with doxazosin dominated all α-blockers. After excluding dominated alternatives, the incremental cost-utility ratio for combination therapy was $377 per quality-adjusted life-year, being a cost-effective alternative using the threshold of $15 000. Model results were robust to changes in costs, utility weights, and probabilities. Acceptability curves consistently demonstrated that the combination therapy was most likely cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of finasteride and doxazosin is cost-effective compared with dutasteride, tamsulosin, terazosin, and alfuzosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia with moderate or severe symptoms who are older than 40 years.

Budget impact analysis of the adoption of new hypertension guidelines in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension represents a high burden of disease in different healthcare systems. Recent guideline published in 2017 by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology has generated a debate between clinicians and policymakers due to the lowering of diagnosis threshold and the subsequent increase of the prevalence and healthcare costs. No empirical research exists addressing the question about the pressure on healthcare costs generated by new standards. This study aims to quantify the impact on the hypertension diagnosis and treatment costs for healthcare system using the new hypertension guideline. METHODS: We conducted a budget impact analysis from a Colombian healthcare payer's perspective with a 3-year time horizon (2018-2020), in which we estimated the difference in total medical care costs between previous hypertension cut-off points (140/90 mmHg) and new guideline cut-off points (130/80 mmHg). RESULTS: Our results show that the impact of the adoption of the new hypertension guideline would represent a decrease close to 22% in total annual high blood pressure costs in Colombia. This reduction is mainly driven by a lower number of cardiovascular complications. It is worth noting that these results should be taken with caution due to local available data. CONCLUSIONS: A high-middle income country such as Colombia should carry out an exhaustive revision of the recommendations of the new hypertension guideline, due to its high probability of saving medical treatment costs for the healthcare system.

Costo utilidad de profilaxis con palivizumab versus no profilaxis en niños con riesgo de infección de virus sincitial respiratorio en Colombia / Cost utility of prophylaxis with palivizumab versus no prophylaxis in children with risk of infection of syncitial respiratory virus in Colombia

Objetivo: determinar la costo utilidad de la profilaxis del palivizumab en niños con factores de riesgo para infección por virus sincitial respiratorio. Materiales y métodos: fue realizado un árbol de decisión, desde la perspectiva del pagador, en niños pretérmino (menores de 35 semanas) o con enfermedad cardiaca congénita, usando datos de costos locales y datos de efectividad para el cálculo de años de vida ajustado a calidad (AVAC) provenientes de estudios clínicos controlados con un horizonte temporal de toda la expectativa de vida. Los costos fueron reportados en pesos colombianos (ColP$) y se aplicó una tasa de descuento de 3,5 %. El modelo se evaluó usando una simulación de Monte Carlo. Resultados: en el grupo pretérmino los costos de palivizumab fueron $8 944 789 y en el grupo de no palivizumab $1 846 634. Los AVAC en estos grupos fueron de 72,28 y 72,17, respectivamente. La razón de costo utilidad incremental fue de $ 65 528 681/AVAC adicional. En el grupo de niños con enfermedad cardiaca congénita los costos de palivizumab fueron de $15 191 700 y de $4 657 187 en el grupo de no palivizumab. Los AVAC en estos grupos fueron de 72,16, respectivamente. La razón de costo utilidad incremental fue de $47 884 150/AVAC adicional. Existe una probabilidad mayor del 50 % de ser costo útil con una disposición a pagar mayor de $60 000 000. Conclusión: palivizumab es una alternativa costo útil en niños con riesgo de infección por virus sincitial respiratorio.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the incremental cost utility ratio (ICUR) of prophylaxis with palivizumab in children with risk factors for infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Material and methods: A decision tree using the perspective of the Colombian health sector was conducted in preterm infants (<35weeks) and children with congenital heart disease (CHD) using local data on costs and effectiveness data for the calculation of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) from randomized clinical trials with a time horizon of their life expectancy. Costs were reported in Colombian pesos ($ ColP) and a discount rate of 3.5 % was applied. The model was evaluated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Results: The costs of palivizumab in the preterm group were $8'944.789 and the group of non palivizumab $1'846.634. The QALY in these groups were 72.28 and 72.17 respectively. The ICUR was $65'528.681/QALY additional. In the group of children with CHD the costs of palivizumab were $15'191.700 and $4'657.187 in no palivizumab group. The QALYs in these groups were 72.16 and 71.94, respectively. The ICUR was $47'884.150/QALY. There is a probability greater than 50 % of being cost-effective with a willingness to pay of $60'000.000. Conclusions: Palivizumab provides a costeffective alternative of prophylaxis against RSV infection.

Costo-utilidad de prednisolona y aciclovir en pacientes con parálisis deBell en Colombia / Cost-utility of prednisolone and acyclovir in patients with Bell’s palsy in Colombia

Existen múltiples alternativas terapéuticas para pacientes con parálisis de Bell; sin embargo, sedesconoce la eficiencia de estas en el sistema de salud colombiano. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinarla razón de costo utilidad incremental (RCUI) y el valor esperado de información perfecta (VEIP) delos diferentes tratamientos para esta condición.Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de costo utilidad desde la perspectiva del pagador usando unárbol de decisión con un horizonte temporal menor de un año que evaluó: a. prednisolona sola, b. antiviralessolos, c. combinación prednisolona y antivirales, y d. observación. Se obtuvieron los costos directos del tarifarioISS+30%. Se calcularon los años de vida ajustados a calidad (AVAC) usando los datos de utilidad de fuentessecundarias. Se realizó una simulación de Monte Carlo con 10.000 iteraciones y 1.000 microsimulaciones.Resultados: Los costos totales esperados fueron prednisolona sola: $COP 48,315 (95%IC: 16,434-84,252);observación: $COP 49,868 (95%IC: 22,760-84,540); esteroides y antivirales $COP 62,237 (95%IC: 32,112-96,750) y antivirales solos $COP: 96,402 (95%IC: 56,372-139,926). Todas las alternativas obtuvieron 0.72 AVAC(95%IC: 0.68-0.75). La prednisolona sola fue la alternativa dominante para todos los valores de la disposición apagar. El VEIP para las disposiciones a pagar de $COP 47’512,194 y 222’802,847 fueron de $COP: 32’623,700y 134’383,920 respectivamente.Conclusión: La prednisolona sola es la estrategia dominante para cualquier disposición a pagar. El VEIP enColombia para la mayor disposición a pagar fue de $COP: 134’383,920...

There are multiple therapeutic alternatives for patients with Bell’s palsy, however their efficiencywithin the Colombian health system is unknown. The objective of this study is to determine the incrementalcost-utility ratio (ICUR) and the expected value of perfect information (EVPI) of different treatments forthis condition.Materials and methods: A cost-utility analysis was conducted from the perspective of the payer using adecision tree with a time horizon of less than one year. This model evaluated the following alternatives: a.prednisolone only, b. antivirals only, c. a combination of prednisolone and antivirals; d. observation. Directcosts were obtained from national tariff (ISS+30%). Quality adjusted life-years (QALYs) using utility data fromsecondary sources were calculated. Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations and 1,000 microsimulationwas performe...

Factores asociados con la calidad de vida en pacientes con síndrome de túnel carpiano / Factors associated with quality of life in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Introducción. Este estudio determina los factores asociados con el deterioro en la calidad de vida en pacientes con síndrome de túnel carpiano (STC). Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó un cuestionario con variables demográficas, clínicas, el EQ-5D y el Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire con las subescalas de síntomas (BCTQ SSS) y funcional (BCTQ FSS) a pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad con diagnóstico confirmado mediante estudios electrodiagnóstico de STC a los 0 y 6 meses. Resultados. Participaron 53 pacientes (71,7% mujeres) con una edad promedio de 55,5 (±13) años. Las puntuaciones del EQ-5D al inicio y a los 6 meses fueron de 0,55 (±0,30) y 0,81 (±0,23) respectivamente. El BCTQ SSS fue de 2,28 (±0,78) y 2,05 (±0,83) y el BCTQ FSS fue de 2,29 (±0,85) y 1,80 (±0,76) al inicio y a los 6 meses respectivamente. El dominio del EQ-5D que presentó mayor proporción de pacientes (90,5%) en calificaciones de moderado y severo fue "dolor". Los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico presentaron mejores puntajes solamente en el EQ-5D en comparación a los que recibieron tratamiento médico (0,92 vs. 0,77; p=0,02). Los factores relacionados con peores valoraciones subjetivas fueron: clasificación de "severo" en los estudios de velocidad de conducción nerviosa y clasificación de "moderado" en el dominio de "actividades de la vida diaria" y "dolor" en el EQ-5D. Conclusión. El compromiso en la calidad de vida está asociado a la afectación de las actividades de la vida diaria, la presencia de dolor y evidencia de mayor daño en el estudio electrofisiológico.

Introduction. This study identifies the factors associated with the deterioration in the quality of life in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Materials and methods. A questionnaire with demographic and clinical variables, the EQ-5D and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire with symptoms (BCTQ SSS) and functional (BCTQ FSS) subscales were applied to patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis confirmed by electrodiagnostic studies. Results. The study involved 53 patients (71,7% women) with a mean age of 55,5 (± 13) years. The EQ-5D scores at baseline and 6 months were 0,55 (± 0,30) and 0,81 (± 0,23) respectively. The BCTQ SSS was 2,28 (± 0,78) and 2,05 (± 0,83) and BCTQ FSS was 2,29 (± 0,85) and 1,80 (± 0,76) to baseline and 6 months respectively. The domain of the EQ-5D showed higher proportion of patients (90,5%) in scores was moderate to severe "pain." Patients who received surgical treatment only showed better scores in the EQ-5D compared to those who received medical treatment (0,92 vs 0,77; P = 0,02). Factors associated with worse subjective assessments were rated "severe" in studies of nerve conduction velocity and classification of "moderate" in the domain of "activities of daily living" and "pain" in the EQ-5D. Conclusion. The impact on the quality of life is associated with impairment of activities of daily living, the presence of pain and evidence of major damage in the electrophysiological study.

Costo-efectividad de los stents liberadores de fármacos versus stents convencionales en el manejo de la enfermedad coronaria: Revisión sistemática de la bibliografía / Cost-Effectiveness of Drug Eluting Stents Versus Bare Metal Stents in Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Literature Review / Cost-Effectiveness of Drug Eluting Stents Versus Bare Metal Stents in Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Literature Review

Objetivo Realizar una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía para determinar si el tratamiento endovascular con stent liberador de fármacos (SLF) para enfermedad coronaria es costo-efectivo en comparación con el stent convencional (SC). Material y métodos Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios de evaluación económica completa con perspectiva del sistema de salud que informaran relación costo/reducción de riesgo absoluto y costo/ QALY sin límite de fecha ni de idioma en las bases de datos electrónicas Pubmed/Medline, Embase, CDRS, NCBI, HINARI, CRD, DARE, NHSEED, HTA, HSRPROJ y HSTAT. Resultados Se incluyeron 16 estudios (21.807 participantes). Se evaluó SLF con paclitaxel o sirolimus comparado con SC en cinco artículos (31,25%), 31,25% sólo stent con sirolimus, 25% sólo paclitaxel y 12,5% zotarolimus. La perspectiva de pago fue especificada en el 93,75% de los trabajos. La distribución de las características de los pacientes fue similar en todos los grupos y balanceada en los estudios observacionales. Seis de los 16 estudios concluyeron que el stent con medicación no era costo-efectivo en su población; sin embargo, en los subgrupos de mayor riesgo de reestenosis o enfermedad de múltiples vasos esta terapia se consideró como costo-efectiva. Conclusiones Los estudios son consistentes en la reducción de la frecuencia de revascularización con stent con fármacos en comparación con stent convencional sin influir en la mortalidad a 12 meses de seguimiento. La intervención fue costo-efectiva en los subgrupos con mayor riesgo de reestenosis o enfermedad de múltiples vasos.(AU)

Objective The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic literature review to determine whether coronary disease endovascular therapy with drug eluting stents (DES) compared with bare metal stents (BMS) is cost-effective. Methods A systematic review was performed in Pubmed/Medline, Embase, CDRS, NCBI, Hinari, CRD, DARE, NHSEED, HTA, HSRPROJ, HSTAT electronic databases to identify full economic evaluation studies with health care perspective reporting the relationship between cost/absolute risk reduction and cost/QALY, without date or language limitations. Results Sixteen studies were included (21807 participants). Paclitaxel or sirolimus DES compared with BMS were evaluated in five studies (31.25%), 31.25% assessed only sirolimus eluting stents, 25% only paclitaxel eluting stents and 12.5% zotarolimus eluting stents. Health care payment perspective was explicit in 93.75% of the studies. The distribution of patient characteristics was similar in all groups and balanced in observational studies. Six of the 16 studies concluded that DES were not cost-effective in their population, but that in subgroups at greater risk of restenosis or with multiple vessel disease the therapy was cost-effective. Conclusions The studies were consistent in the reduction of target vessel revascularization frequency with DES compared to BMS without affecting mortality at 12 month follow-up. The intervention was cost-effective in studies at greater risk of restenosis or with multiple vessel disease.(AU)

Costo-efectividad de los stents liberadores de fármacos versus stents convencionales en el manejo de la enfermedad coronaria: Revisión sistemática de la bibliografía / Cost-Effectiveness of Drug Eluting Stents Versus Bare Metal Stents in Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Literature Review / Cost-Effectiveness of Drug Eluting Stents Versus Bare Metal Stents in Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Literature Review

Objetivo Realizar una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía para determinar si el tratamiento endovascular con stent liberador de fármacos (SLF) para enfermedad coronaria es costo-efectivo en comparación con el stent convencional (SC). Material y métodos Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios de evaluación económica completa con perspectiva del sistema de salud que informaran relación costo/reducción de riesgo absoluto y costo/ QALY sin límite de fecha ni de idioma en las bases de datos electrónicas Pubmed/Medline, Embase, CDRS, NCBI, HINARI, CRD, DARE, NHSEED, HTA, HSRPROJ y HSTAT. Resultados Se incluyeron 16 estudios (21.807 participantes). Se evaluó SLF con paclitaxel o sirolimus comparado con SC en cinco artículos (31,25%), 31,25% sólo stent con sirolimus, 25% sólo paclitaxel y 12,5% zotarolimus. La perspectiva de pago fue especificada en el 93,75% de los trabajos. La distribución de las características de los pacientes fue similar en todos los grupos y balanceada en los estudios observacionales. Seis de los 16 estudios concluyeron que el stent con medicación no era costo-efectivo en su población; sin embargo, en los subgrupos de mayor riesgo de reestenosis o enfermedad de múltiples vasos esta terapia se consideró como costo-efectiva. Conclusiones Los estudios son consistentes en la reducción de la frecuencia de revascularización con stent con fármacos en comparación con stent convencional sin influir en la mortalidad a 12 meses de seguimiento. La intervención fue costo-efectiva en los subgrupos con mayor riesgo de reestenosis o enfermedad de múltiples vasos.

Objective The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic literature review to determine whether coronary disease endovascular therapy with drug eluting stents (DES) compared with bare metal stents (BMS) is cost-effective. Methods A systematic review was performed in Pubmed/Medline, Embase, CDRS, NCBI, Hinari, CRD, DARE, NHSEED, HTA, HSRPROJ, HSTAT electronic databases to identify full economic evaluation studies with health care perspective reporting the relationship between cost/absolute risk reduction and cost/QALY, without date or language limitations. Results Sixteen studies were included (21807 participants). Paclitaxel or sirolimus DES compared with BMS were evaluated in five studies (31.25%), 31.25% assessed only sirolimus eluting stents, 25% only paclitaxel eluting stents and 12.5% zotarolimus eluting stents. Health care payment perspective was explicit in 93.75% of the studies. The distribution of patient characteristics was similar in all groups and balanced in observational studies. Six of the 16 studies concluded that DES were not cost-effective in their population, but that in subgroups at greater risk of restenosis or with multiple vessel disease the therapy was cost-effective. Conclusions The studies were consistent in the reduction of target vessel revascularization frequency with DES compared to BMS without affecting mortality at 12 month follow-up. The intervention was cost-effective in studies at greater risk of restenosis or with multiple vessel disease.

Prevalencia de abuso y factores asociados en una escuela de medicina colombiana / Prevalence of abuse and related factors in a Colombian medical school

Introducción: El abuso es muy común en las escuelas de medicina y tiene serias implicaciones en la formación vocacional y profesional. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia de la percepción de abuso en una universidad colombiana e identificar los factores relacionados. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal entre septiembre y diciembre del 2008 en una escuela privada de medicina. Se realizó un muestreo estratificado proporcional por ciclo y luego un muestreo aleatorio simple por cada semestre. Se obtuvieron datos sociodemográficos, académicos y manifestaciones consideradas abusivas. Resultados: Participaron 128 estudiantes. La prevalencia de percepción de abuso fue 40.6%. El tipo de abuso más común fue el psicológico (98%) y las manifestaciones más frecuentes fueron críticas injustificadas (10.9%), dejar en ridículo (10.7%), gritos (10%) y desacreditar (9.5%). Los profesores de años preclínicos fueron considerados como los más importantes abusadores (25.9%) seguido por los profesores clínicos (19.8%). La frecuencia de las manifestaciones abusivas se reportaron como raras en 15.8% y 11.5% en años preclínicos y clínicos respectivamente. El curso de patología fue donde se percibieron más manifestaciones abusivas en años preclínicos (50%), mientras que pediatría lo fue en años clínicos (36.5%); 19% de los estudiantes informó el abuso a otro. Las principales consecuencias fueron deseo de retirarse de la carrera (63.2%) o cambiar de carrera (36.8%). Pertenecer a años clínicos mostró una asociación con una percepción aumentada de abuso (OR: 4.74 95% IC: 1.9-11.4 p=0.001). Conclusiones: Aunque el abuso es más frecuente en años clínicos no se considera una práctica sistemática entre los estudiantes de medicina.

Introduction: Different forms of abusive practices are very common in medical schools and have serious implications on vocational and professional formation. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of perception of abuse in a university in Colombia and to identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2008 in a private medical school. A proportional cycle-based stratified sampling technique and randomized sampling per semester was done. Socio demographic, academic, and abuse-related variables were obtained. Results: One hundred twenty-eight students participated in the study. The prevalence of perception of abuse was 40.6%. The most common type of abuse was psychological (98%) and unjustified critique (10.9%), ridiculing (10.7%), shouting (10%), and discredit (9.5%) were the most frequent manifestations. Professors in preclinical courses were reported as the most prevalent abusers (25.9%), followed by clinical professors (19.8%). The frequency of abusive manifestations was rare (15.8% and 11.5%) in preclinical and clinical years, respectively. The abusive manifestations were most frequent in pathology and pediatrics in the preclinical and clinical years, respectively. Nineteen percent of the victims of abuse reported such to somebody. The main consequences were desire to withdraw from the career (63.2%) and change of career (36.8%). Increased perception of abuse (OR: 4.74 95% IC: 1.9-11.4 p=0.001) was associated during the clinical years. Conclusions: Although abusive practices are more frequent during clinical years, they do not constitute a systematic behavior among medical students from a private university in Colombia in comparison with other studies.

Comparison of low-density lipoprotein obtained from the Friedewald formula and new formulae in a heterogeneous population / Comparación de lipoproteínas de baja densidad obtenidas por fórmula de Friedewald y nuevas fórmulas en una población heterogénea

Introduction: Although the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) should ideally be determined by beta quantification or enzymatic methods, there are limitations in developing countries. The goal of this study is to compare LDL-C obtained through three formulae (LDL-Cnf) with LDL-C obtained through the Friedewald formula (LDL-Cf) using LDL-C through enzymatic methods as the most-accepted reference method in clinical practice (LDL-Cr). Methods: A concordance study was carried out in a reference laboratory in Cali, Colombia. The three formulae were (mg/dl): Men with triglycerides under 400 mg/dl: LDL-C = Total Cholesterol (TC) - triglycerides (TG) /6.5) - 45; men with triglycerides equal to or greater than 400 mg/dl: LDL-C = (TC - (TG / 7)) -50 and women: LDL-C = (TC-(TG /6.5)) - 70. Results: Three-hundred fifteen values were obtained of which 53% were for women. The mean age and LDL-Cr were 54 years (±15.8) and 112.1 mg/dl (±32.5), respectively. The median (interquartile range, mg/dl) of TC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and TG were 204 mg/dl (171-229), 51 mg/dl (41-61), and 156 mg/dl (99-237), respectively. There were no differences between mean values of LDL-Cr and LDL-Cnf (113.48 vs. 112.67 mg/dl; p=0.45). The intraclass correlation coefficient among LDL-Cr and LDL-Cf and LDL-Cnf were high (R=0.93 and 0.92, respectively). The correlation between LDL-Cf and LDL-Cnf was 0.95. There is no difference between the areas under the  receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with the level of LDL-Cr at 160 mg/dl for LDL-Cnf and LDL-Cf. (0.94 vs. 0.93; p=0.27). Conclusion: There is high concordance between LDL-Cf and LDL-Cnf. These formulae could be an alternative when there are limitations to determine LDL-C because of the lack of enzymatic methods or through Friedewald formula due to the absence of HDL-C.

Introducción: Aunque los niveles de colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL-C) deben ser determinados idealmente por betacuantificación o métodos enzimáticos, hay limitaciones en países en vía de desarrollo. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar LDL-C obtenido a través de tres fórmulas (LDL-Cnf) con LDL-C obtenido a través de la fórmula de Friedewald (LDL-Cf) usando LDL-C (LDL-Cr) enzimático considerado como referente más aceptado clínicamente. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de pruebas diagnósticas en un laboratorio de referencia en Cali, Colombia. Las tres fórmulas fueron (mg/dl): Hombres con triglicéridos menores de 400 mg/dl: LDL-C= Colesterol total (CT) - triglicéridos (TG)/6.5)- 45; hombres con triglicéridos iguales a o mayores de 400 mg/dl: LDL-C= (CT- (TG/7))- 50 y mujeres: LDL-C= (CT- (TG/6.5))- 70. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 315 valores de los cuales 53% eran mujeres. El promedio de edad y LDL-Cr fueron 54 años (±15.8) y 112.1 mg/dl (±32.5), respectivamente. La mediana (rango intercuartil) de CT, lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL-C) y TG fueron de 204 mg/dl (171-229), 51 mg/dl (41-61) y 156 mg/dl (99-237), respectivamente. No hubo diferencia en los valores promedio de LDL-Cr y LDL-Cnf (113.48 vs. 112.67 mg/dl; p=0.45). Los coeficientes de correlación intraclase entre LDL-Cr y LDL-Cf y LDL-Cnf fueron altos (r=0.93 y 0.92, respectivamente). La correlación entre LDL-Cf y LDL-Cnf fue de 0.95. No hubo diferencias en las áreas bajo la curvas de características operativas del receptor (COR) con niveles de LDL-Cr de 160 mg/dl (0.94 vs. 093; p=0.27). Conclusión: Existe una alta correlación entre LDL-Cf y LDL-Cnf. Estas formulas podrían ser una alternativa cuando existen limitaciones para determinar el LDL-C.

Prevalencia de la toma de citología vaginal en estudiantes de una universidad pública de Colombia / Prevalence of Pap smear take in students of a Colombian public university

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de la toma de citología vaginal en las estudiantes de los seis primeros semestres de los programas profesionales de la Facultad de Salud de una universidad pública en Cali (Colombia) durante 2007. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal con estudiantes de los seis primeros semestres de programas en la Facultad de Salud de una universidad pública en Cali a través de una encuesta en la que se determinó la toma de citología vaginal y comportamientos de salud sexual y reproductiva. Resultados: Participaron 180 estudiantes con un promedio de edad de 19,9±2,5 años. 41,7% de las encuestadas se habían realizado citología vaginal; de éstas, el 23,3% se la realizaban cada año. El 84% de las participantes habían reclamado el resultado. El 35,3% habían tenido un compañero sexual, y la edad promedio de inicio de relaciones sexuales fue 16,8±1,5 años. El principal argumento para no realizársela fue la condición de virginidad (40%). Se encontró asociación estadística entre la toma de citología vaginal con edad (p=0,002), el estar casada (p=0,002), el número de relaciones sexuales en el último mes (p<0.0001), el uso de métodos de planificación hormonal (p<0,0001) o el no uso de dichos métodos (p<0,0001). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de toma de citología vaginal en las estudiantes de los seis primeros semestres de los programas académicos de salud de una universidad pública en Cali es menor que la descrita en la población general según la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud 2005...

Objetive: Determine the prevalence of taking Pap Smear in the students of the first six semesters of the professional programs of the faculty of Health of a public University of Cali en 2007. Materials and methods: It was carried out a cross sectional study with students of professional programs in the faculty of health of a public university in Cali, Colombia through an inquiry that included information about achieve Pap smear and sexuality behaviors. Results: 180 students participated and the age average was 19,9±2,5 años. 41,7% of students carried out Pap smear; 23,3% each year. 84% of students claimed the result. 35,5% have have one sexual partner and age average for initial intercourse was 16,8±1,5 years. The main reason for not take Pap smear was virginity(40%). There are statistic association between take Pap smear with age (p=0,002), married status (p=0,002), number of sexual intercourses in last month (p<0,0001), use of hormonal anticonceptives (p<0,0001) or not use of anticonceptive (p<0,0001) Conclusion: The prevalence of realization of Pap smear in student of six semesters of professional programs of faculty of Health in public university of Cali, Colombia is less than prevalence of general population described by Demography and Health National Survey 2005...