Cost-effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring with FreeStyle Libre® in Brazilian insulin-treated patients with types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia is a barrier to optimal glucose control in the treatment of both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Blood glucose monitoring is essential in diabetes management. Inappropriate glucose management is associated with high mortality and morbidity. FreeStyle Libre® (FSL) is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that provides effective, safe, and convenient glucose monitoring, without routine finger pricking. This study aims to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the FSL system in comparison to conventional Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in T1DM and T2DM patients that require intensive insulin therapy. METHODS: A decision-tree model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness ratio between FSL and conventional SMBG from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (SUS). The model captures the cumulative rates of acute complications such as severe hypoglicemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, per-event costs, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained over a 1-year time horizon in adult and pediatric patients (≥ 4 years old) with T1DM or T2DM. Inputs from the Brazilian health databases, clinical trials, and real-world data were used in the study. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that, regarding solely severe hypoglicemia and diabetic ketoacidosis events, T1DM have a QALY difference of 0.276, a cost difference of R$ 7.255, and an ICER of R$ 26,267.69 per QALY gained for CGM with FSL, when compared to conventional SMBG. T2DM results demonstrated equally a QALY difference of 0.184, a cost difference of R$ 7290, and an ICER of R$ 39,692.67 per QALY gained, in favour of CGM with FSL. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that FSL is cost-effective in T1DM and T2DM for acute diabetic complications, from a SUS perspective. CGM with FSL can promote safe, convenient, and cost-effective glucose monitoring, therefore contributing to the improvement of the incidence of complications and quality of life.

Economic burden of colorectal and breast cancers attributable to lack of physical activity in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of cancer patients has an escalating economic impact to public health systems (approximately, International dollars- Int$ 60 billion annually in Brazil). Physical activity is widely recognized as one important modifiable risk factor for cancer. Herein, we estimated the economic costs of colon and post-menopausal breast cancers in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) attributable to lack of physical activity. METHODS: Population attributable fractions were calculated using prevalence data from 57,962 adults who answered a physical activity questionnaire in the Brazilian National Health Survey, and relative risks of colon and breast cancer from a meta-analysis. Annual costs (1 Int$ = 2.1 reais) with hospitalization, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were obtained from the Hospital and Ambulatory Information Systems of the Brazilian SUS. Two counterfactual scenarios were considered: theoretical minimum risk exposure level (≥8000 MET-min/week) and physical activity guidelines (≥600 MET-min/week). RESULTS: Annually, the Brazilian SUS expended Int$ 4.5 billion in direct costs related to cancer treatment, of which Int$ 553 million due to colon and breast cancers. Direct costs related to colon and breast cancers attributable to lack of physical activity were Int$ 23.4 million and Int$ 26.9 million, respectively. Achieving at least the physical activity guidelines would save Int$ 10.3 mi (colon, Int$ 6.4 mi; breast, Int$ 3.9 mi). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of physical activity accounts for Int$ 50.3 million annually in direct costs related to colon and post-menopausal breast cancers. Population-wide interventions aiming to promote physical activity are needed to reduce the economic burden of cancer in Brazil.

Costs of cancer attributable to excess body weight in the Brazilian public health system in 2018.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of excess body weight (EBW) has increased over the last decades in Brazil, where 55.4% of the adult population was overweight in 2019. EBW is a well-known risk factor for several types of cancer. We estimated the federal cost of EBW-related cancers in adults, considering the medical expenditures in the Brazilian Public Health System. METHODS: We calculated the costs related to 11 types of cancer considering the procedures performed in 2018 by all organizations that provide cancer care in the public health system. We obtained data from the Hospital and Ambulatory Information Systems of the Brazilian Public Health System. We calculated the fractions of cancer attributable to EBW using the relative risks from the literature and prevalence from a nationally representative survey. We converted the monetary values in Reais (R$) to international dollars (Int$), considering the purchasing power parity (PPP) of 2018. RESULTS: In Brazil, the 2018 federal cost for all types of cancers combined was Int$ 1.73 billion, of which nearly Int$ 710 million was spent on EBW-related cancer care and Int$ 30 million was attributable to EBW. Outpatient and inpatient expenditures reached Int$ 20.41 million (of which 80% was for chemotherapy) and Int$ 10.06 million (of which 82% was for surgery), respectively. Approximately 80% of EBW-attributable costs were due to breast, endometrial and colorectal cancers. CONCLUSION: A total of 1.76% of all federal cancer-related costs could be associated with EBW, representing a substantial economic burden for the public health system. We highlight the need for integrated policies for excess body weight control and cancer prevention.

Development and Validation of a Predictive Model of Success in Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: There are no criteria to establish priority for bariatric surgery candidates in the public health system in several countries. The aim of this study is to identify preoperative characteristics that allow predicting the success after bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and sixty-one patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were included. Success of the surgery was defined as the sum of five outcome variables, assessed at baseline and 12 months after the surgery: excess weight loss, use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), daily number of antidiabetics, daily number of antihypertensive drugs, and all-cause mortality. Partial least squares (PLS) regression and multiple linear regression were performed to identify preoperative predictors. We performed a 90/10 split of the dataset in train and test sets and ran a leave-one-out cross-validation on the train set and the best PLS model was chosen based on goodness-of-fit criteria. RESULTS: The preoperative predictors of success after bariatric surgery included lower age, presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and OSA, more years of CPAP/BiPAP use, negative history of cardiovascular disease, and lower number of antihypertensive drugs. The PLS model displayed a mean absolute percent error of 0.1121 in the test portion of the dataset, leading to accurate predictions of postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: This success index allows prioritizing patients with the best indication for the procedure and could be incorporated in the public health system as a support tool in the decision-making process.

Overview of meta-analysis on prevention and treatment of childhood obesity / Visão geral das meta-análises sobre prevenção e tratamento da obesidade infantil

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to assess the quality of systematic reviews on prevention and non-pharmacological treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Data source: A search was done in electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials), including only systematic reviews with meta-analysis. Reviews were selected by two researchers, and a third one solved the divergences. PRISMA statement and checklist were followed. Summary of data: A total of 4574 records were retrieved, including 24 after selection. Six reviews were on obesity prevention, 17 on obesity treatment, and one on mixed interventions for prevention and treatment of obesity. The interventions were very heterogeneous and showed little or no effects on weight or body mass index. Mixed interventions that included dieting, exercise, actions to reduce sedentary behavior, and programs involving the school or families showed some short-term positive effects. Reviews that analyzed cardiovascular risk factors demonstrated significant improvements in the short-term. Conclusion: The systematic reviews of interventions to prevent or reduce obesity in children and adolescents generally showed little or no effects on weight or body mass index, although cardiovascular profile can be improved. Mixed interventions demonstrated better effects, but the long-term impact of obesity treatments of children and adolescents remains unclear.

Resumo Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade das revisões sistemáticas sobre prevenção e tratamento não farmacológico do sobrepeso e da obesidade em crianças e adolescentes. Fontes de dados: Foi realizada uma busca em bases de dados eletrônicas (Medline via Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, The Cochrane Library e Ensaios Clínicos), incluindo apenas revisões sistemáticas com meta-análise. As revisões foram selecionadas por dois pesquisadores e um terceiro resolveu as divergências. A lista de recomendações do PRISMA foi seguida. Síntese dos dados: Foram identificados 4.574 publicações, e 24 foram incluídas após seleção. Seis publicações eram sobre prevenção da obesidade, 17 sobre tratamento da obesidade e 1 sobre intervenções mistas para prevenção e tratamento da obesidade. As intervenções eram muito heterogêneas e mostraram pouco ou nenhum efeito sobre o peso ou índice de massa corporal. Intervenções mistas que incluíam dieta, exercícios, ações para reduzir o comportamento sedentário e programas que envolviam a escola ou as famílias mostraram alguns efeitos positivos de curto prazo. Revisões que analisaram fatores de risco cardiovascular demonstraram melhoras significativas em curto prazo. Conclusão: As revisões sistemáticas de intervenções para prevenir ou reduzir a obesidade em crianças e adolescentes geralmente mostraram pouco ou nenhum efeito sobre o peso ou índice de massa corporal, embora o perfil cardiovascular possa ter melhorado. Intervenções mistas demonstraram melhores efeitos, mas o impacto em longo prazo dos tratamentos da obesidade de crianças e adolescentes ainda não está claro.

Economic burden of diabetes in Brazil in 2014.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes and its complications produce significant clinical, economic and social impact. The knowledge of the costs of diabetes generates subsidies to maintain the financial sustainability of public health and social security systems, guiding research and health care priorities. AIMS: The aim of this study was to estimate the economic burden of diabetes in Brazilian adults in 2014, considering the perspectives of the public health care system and the society. METHODS: A prevalence-based approach was used to estimate the annual health resource utilization and costs attributable to diabetes and related conditions. The healthcare system perspective considered direct medical costs related to outpatient and hospitalization costs. The societal perspective considered non-medical (transportation and dietary products) and indirect costs (productivity loss, disability, and premature retirement). Outpatient costs included medicines, health professional visits, exams, home glucose monitoring, ophthalmic procedures, and costs related to end stage renal disease. The costs of hospitalization attributed to diabetes related conditions were estimated using attributable risk methodology. Costs were estimated in Brazilian currency, and then converted to international dollars (2014). RESULTS: Based on a national self-reported prevalence of 6.2%, the total cost of diabetes in 2014 was Int$ 15.67 billion, including Int$ 6.89 billion in direct medical costs (44%), Int$ 3.69 billion in non-medical costs (23.6%) and Int$ 5.07 billion in indirect costs (32.4%). Outpatient costs summed Int$ 6.62 billion and the costs of 314,334 hospitalizations attributed to diabetes and related conditions was Int$ 264.9 million. Most hospitalizations were due to cardiovascular diseases (47.9%), followed by diabetes itself (18%), and renal diseases (13.6%). Diet and transportation costs were estimated at Int$ 3.2 billion and Int$ 462.3 million, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a substantial economic burden of diabetes in Brazil, and most likely are underrated as they are based on an underestimated prevalence of diabetes. Healthcare policies aiming at diabetes prevention and control are urgently sought.

Cost-Utility of Gastric Bypass Surgery Compared to Clinical Treatment for Severely Obese With and Without Diabetes in the Perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System.

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Weight loss due to gastric bypass (GBP) surgery improves clinical outcomes and may be a cost-effective intervention. To estimate the cost-effectiveness of GBP compared to clinical treatment in severely obese individuals with and without diabetes in the perspective of the Brazilian public health system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Markov model was developed to compare costs and outcomes of gastric bypass in an open approach to clinical treatment. Health states were living with diabetes, remission of diabetes, non-fatal and fatal myocardial infarction, and death. We also included the occurrence of complications related to surgery and plastic surgery after the gastric bypass surgery. The direct costs were obtained from primary data collection performed in three public reference centers for obesity treatment. Utility values also derived from this cohort, while transition probabilities came from the international literature. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate uncertainties. The model considered a 10-year time horizon and a 5% discount rate. RESULTS: Over 10 years, GBP increased quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and costs compared to clinical treatment, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of Int$1820.17/QALY and Int$1937.73/QALY in individuals with and without diabetes, respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that utility values and direct costs of treatments were the parameters that affected the most the ICERs. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that GBP is a cost-effective intervention for severely obese individuals in the Brazilian public health system perspective, with a better result in individuals with diabetes.

Higher adiponectin concentrations are associated with reduced metabolic syndrome risk independently of weight status in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between adiponectin concentrations and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk and to investigate if this association is independent of weight status in adolescents. METHODS: Adiponectin concentrations and MetS risk were assessed in 4546 Brazilian adolescents (12-17 years old) enrolled in The Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents ("ERICA"), a cross-sectional multicenter study in Brazil. For analyses, adiponectin was categorized in sex and age-specific quartiles and MetS risk was expressed as a continuous score, calculated as the average of the standardized values (z-score) of the five MetS components. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the association between the quartiles of adiponectin and MetS risk. RESULTS: Adiponectin was inversely associated with waist circumference and log-transformed triglycerides, and positively associated with HDL-c. We also observed an inverse association between adiponectin concentrations and MetS risk. After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, physical activity, skipping breakfast and body mass index (BMI), higher quartiles of adiponectin remained inversely associated with waist circumference and MetS risk. A direct association between adiponectin and HDL-c was also observed. In further analysis, the sample was stratified by weight status and an inverse association between quartiles of adiponectin and MetS risk was observed in both normal weight and overweight/obese adolescents. CONCLUSION: Higher adiponectin concentrations were independently and inverse associated with MetS risk in Brazilian adolescents, even after adjusting for BMI. These results were similar in normal weight and overweight/obese adolescents, suggesting that adiponectin may play a role in early development of MetS.

Budgetary Impact of Oral Rehabilitation With Complete Dentures: An Economical Evaluation From São Paulo State, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a budgetary impact analysis regarding the possibility of offering complete upper and lower dentures to an eligible population of elderly people (above 65 years) in the São Paulo state, Brazil. METHODS: The proportion of eligible population was calculated by assessing the prevalence of edentulous (upper and lower arch) and by defining the eligible group (public health system users). The budgetary impact analysis was designed under the following scenario: 5-year time horizon (2018-2022), prospect of municipal expenses with prostheses, and additional progressive incorporation of technology (upper and lower dentures) at an annual rate of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. Sensibility analysis was performed in 3 different situations (reference, more pessimistic, and more optimistic) based on the calculation of spending through assessed demand and epidemiological demand. RESULTS: The municipal cost for each denture, already discounted the value transferred by the union for this procedure, was R$50.97. The incremental impact on the budget measured by the epidemiological demand relative to assessed demand was approximately R$59 141 510 over 5 years, meaning an impact of 0.08% (0.01% more optimistic; 0.13% more pessimistic) of the "medium and high complexity care" budget and 0.09% (0.03%-0.14%) of the primary care budget. CONCLUSION: The budgetary impact of increasing the oral rehabilitation with complete dentures for elderly population in the São Paulo state is low relative to the expenses with primary or specialized care budgets. In addition, incorporation of denture rehabilitation would be feasible, according to the financial availability and priorities of each municipality.

Estudos de Microcusteio aplicados a avaliações econômicas em saúde: uma proposta metodológica para o Brasil / Microcosting methods applied to health economic assessment: a Brazilian methods guideline

Objetivo: No cenário da avaliação de tecnologias em saúde (ATS), as estimativas de custos são um fator crítico no desenvolvimento das avaliações econômicas completas, especialmente pelo uso de diferentes metodologias de custeio. A fim de contribuir com a acurácia dos dados de custos usados nessas análises, este artigo sugere recomendações para apuração de custos em saúde no Brasil. Métodos: Reuniram-se pesquisadores de ATS de diferentes expertises e centros de pesquisa do Brasil, e ao longo de dois anos foram conduzidas revisões da literatura nacional e internacional e discussões sobre as formas de abordar a temática. Três simpósios foram realizados reunindo os pesquisadores com o propósito de alcançar o consenso entre os autores sobre as melhores recomendações para a realização de estudos de Microcusteio. Resultados: Consolidou-se em forma de uma recomendação este artigo que representa uma versão compacta da diretriz completa a ser publicada pela Rede Brasileira de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde. A metodologia de Microcusteio é considerada como padrão-ouro para a identificação dos custos em saúde. Os métodos de definição do estudo, coleta e análise de dados apresentados são descritos de modo a permitir uma valoração dos custos validada e homogênea, principalmente para o uso dessa informação em avaliações econômicas de saúde. Conclusão: Essa recomendação tem o propósito de aumentar a acurácia das estimativas dos custos de saúde no nosso meio e homogeneizar a comunicação entre estudos conduzidos por diferentes grupos de pesquisa. Por fim, é esperado que a utilização dessas recomendações contribua para que as decisões baseadas em dados econômicos sejam mais acuradas e equânimes quando da incorporação de tecnologias no país.

Objective: In the context of health technology assessment (HTA), cost estimates are a critical factor in the development of economic evaluations, especially through the use of different costing methodologies. In order to contribute to the accuracy of the cost data used in these analyzes, this article suggests recommendations to develop health cost analysis in Brazil. Methods: HTA researchers with heterogeneous background and from different Brazilian research centers were engaged on the development of this health cost analysis recommendation over two years. Reviews of national and international literature and discussions on how to approach the theme were conducted. Three symposia were held bringing together the researchers with the purpose of reaching consensus among the authors on the best recommendations for micro-accounting studies. Results: This article was consolidated as a recommendation, which represents a compact version of the complete guideline that will be published by the Brazilian Health Technology Assessment Network (REBRATS). The Microcosting methodology is considered as a gold standard for the analysis of health costs. Methods to define the study, to perform data collection and analysis are described in order to allow a validated and homogeneous cost evaluation, mainly for the use of this information in economic health assessments. Conclusion: This recommendation is intended to increase the health cost estimated accuracy in our country and to homogenize the communication between studies conducted by different research groups. Finally, it is expected that the use of these recommendations will contribute to make decisions based on economic data more accurate and equitable when incorporating health technologies in the country.

Short-acting insulin analogues versus regular human insulin on postprandial glucose and hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Strict glucose control using multiple doses of insulin is the standard treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but increased risk of hypoglycemia is a frequent drawback. Regular insulin in multiple doses is important for achieving strict glycemic control for T1DM, but short-acting insulin analogues may be better in reducing hypoglycemia and postprandial glucose levels. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of short-acting insulin analogues vs regular human insulin on hypoglycemia and postprandial glucose in patients with T1DM. METHODS: Searches were run on the electronic databases MEDLINE, Cochrane-CENTRAL, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, LILACS, and DARE for RCTs published until August 2017. To be included in the study, the RCTs had to cover a minimum period of 4 weeks and had to assess the effects of short-acting insulin analogues vs regular human insulin on hypoglycemia and postprandial glucose levels in patients with T1DM. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the quality of the selected studies. The primary outcomes analyzed were hypoglycemia (total episodes, nocturnal hypoglycemia, and severe hypoglycemia) and postprandial glucose (at all times, after breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and quality of life were considered secondary outcomes. The risk of bias of each RCT was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias table, while the quality of evidence for each outcome was assessed using the GRADEpro software. The pooled mean difference in the number of hypoglycemic episodes and postprandial glucose between short-acting insulin analogues vs. regular human insulin was calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Of the 2897 articles retrieved, 22 (6235 patients) were included. Short-acting insulin analogues were associated with a decrease in total hypoglycemic episodes (risk rate 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99; 6235 patients; I2 = 81%), nocturnal hypoglycemia (risk rate 0.55, 95% CI 0.40-0.76, 1995 patients, I2 = 84%), and severe hypoglycemia (risk rate 0.68, 95% CI 0.60-0.77; 5945 patients, I2 = 0%); and with lower postprandial glucose levels (mean difference/MD - 19.44 mg/dL; 95% CI - 21.49 to - 17.39; 5031 patients, I2 = 69%) and lower HbA1c (MD - 0,13%; IC 95% - 0.16 to - 0.10; 5204 patients; I2 = 73%) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Short-acting insulin analogues are superior to regular human insulin in T1DM patients for the following outcomes: total hypoglycemic episodes, nocturnal hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia, postprandial glucose, and HbA1c.

Overview of meta-analysis on prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the quality of systematic reviews on prevention and non-pharmacological treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. DATA SOURCE: A search was done in electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials), including only systematic reviews with meta-analysis. Reviews were selected by two researchers, and a third one solved the divergences. PRISMA statement and checklist were followed. SUMMARY OF DATA: A total of 4574 records were retrieved, including 24 after selection. Six reviews were on obesity prevention, 17 on obesity treatment, and one on mixed interventions for prevention and treatment of obesity. The interventions were very heterogeneous and showed little or no effects on weight or body mass index. Mixed interventions that included dieting, exercise, actions to reduce sedentary behavior, and programs involving the school or families showed some short-term positive effects. Reviews that analyzed cardiovascular risk factors demonstrated significant improvements in the short-term. CONCLUSION: The systematic reviews of interventions to prevent or reduce obesity in children and adolescents generally showed little or no effects on weight or body mass index, although cardiovascular profile can be improved. Mixed interventions demonstrated better effects, but the long-term impact of obesity treatments of children and adolescents remains unclear.

Estimated costs of hospitalization due to coronary artery disease attributable to familial hypercholesterolemia in the Brazilian public health system.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Brazil, imposing substantial economic burden on the health care system. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is known to greatly increase the risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to estimate the economic impact of hospitalizations due to CAD attributable to FH in the Brazilian Unified Health Care System (SUS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional study of data obtained from the Hospital Information System of the SUS (SIHSUS). We selected all adults (≥ 20 years of age) hospitalized from 2012--2014 with primary diagnoses related to CAD (ICD-10 I20 to I25). Attributable risk methodology estimated the contribution of FH in the outcomes of interest, using international data for prevalence (0.4% and 0.73%) and relative risk for events (RR = 8.56). RESULTS: Assuming an international prevalence of FH of 0.4% and 0.73%, of the 245,981 CAD admissions/year in Brazil, approximately 7,249 and 12,915, respectively, would be attributable to an underlying diagnosis --of FH. The total cost due to CAD per year, considering both sexes and all adults, was R$ 985,919,064, of which R$ 29,053,500 and R$ 51,764,175, respectively, were estimated to be attributable to FH. The average cost per FH-related CAD event was R$ 4,008. CONCLUSION: Based on estimated costs of hospitalization for CAD, we estimated that 2.9-5.3% are directed to FH patients. FH can require early specific therapies to lower risk in families. It is mandatory to determine the prevalence of FH and institute appropriate treatment to minimize the clinical and economic impact of this disease in Brazil.

Estimated costs of hospitalization due to coronary artery disease attributable to familial hypercholesterolemia in the Brazilian public health system

ABSTRACT Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Brazil, imposing substantial economic burden on the health care system. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is known to greatly increase the risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to estimate the economic impact of hospitalizations due to CAD attributable to FH in the Brazilian Unified Health Care System (SUS). Subjects and methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study of data obtained from the Hospital Information System of the SUS (SIHSUS). We selected all adults (≥ 20 years of age) hospitalized from 2012­-2014 with primary diagnoses related to CAD (ICD-10 I20 to I25). Attributable risk methodology estimated the contribution of FH in the outcomes of interest, using international data for prevalence (0.4% and 0.73%) and relative risk for events (RR = 8.56). Results: Assuming an international prevalence of FH of 0.4% and 0.73%, of the 245,981 CAD admissions/year in Brazil, approximately 7,249 and 12,915, respectively, would be attributable to an underlying diagnosis ­­of FH. The total cost due to CAD per year, considering both sexes and all adults, was R$ 985,919,064, of which R$ 29,053,500 and R$ 51,764,175, respectively, were estimated to be attributable to FH. The average cost per FH-related CAD event was R$ 4,008. Conclusion: Based on estimated costs of hospitalization for CAD, we estimated that 2.9-5.3% are directed to FH patients. FH can require early specific therapies to lower risk in families. It is mandatory to determine the prevalence of FH and institute appropriate treatment to minimize the clinical and economic impact of this disease in Brazil.

Disease and Economic Burden of Hospitalizations Attributable to Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications: A Nationwide Study in Brazil.

Diabetes is associated with a significant burden globally. The costs of diabetes-related hospitalizations are unknown in most developing countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the total number and economic burden of hospitalizations attributable to diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications in adults from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System in 2014. Data sources included the National Health Survey (NHS) and National database of Hospitalizations (SIH). We considered diabetes, its microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) and macrovascular complications (coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease), respiratory and urinary tract infections, as well as selected cancers. Assuming that DM patients are hospitalized for these conditions more frequently that non-DM individuals, we estimated the etiological fraction of each condition related to DM, using the attributable risk methodology. We present number, average cost per case, and overall costs of hospitalizations attributable to DM in Brazil in 2014, stratified by condition, state of the country, gender and age group. In 2014, a total of 313,273 hospitalizations due to diabetes in adults were reported in Brazil (4.6% of total adult hospitalization), totaling (international dollar) Int$264.9 million. The average cost of an adult hospitalization due to diabetes was Int$845, 19% higher than hospitalization without DM. Hospitalizations due to cardiovascular diseases related to diabetes accounted for the higher proportion of costs (47.9%), followed by microvascular complications (25.4%) and DM per se (18.1%). Understanding the costs of diabetes and its major complications is crucial to raise awareness and to support the decision-making process on policy implementation, also allowing the assessment of prevention and control strategies.

Annual Direct Medical Costs of Diabetic Foot Disease in Brazil: A Cost of Illness Study.

The aim of this study was to estimate the annual costs for the treatment of diabetic foot disease (DFD) in Brazil. We conducted a cost-of-illness study of DFD in 2014, while considering the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (SUS) perspective. Direct medical costs of outpatient management and inpatient care were considered. For outpatient costs, a panel of experts was convened from which utilization of healthcare services for the management of DFD was obtained. When considering the range of syndromes included in the DFD spectrum, we developed four well-defined hypothetical DFD cases: (1) peripheral neuropathy without ulcer, (2) non-infected foot ulcer, (3) infected foot ulcer, and (4) clinical management of amputated patients. Quantities of each healthcare service was then multiplied by their respective unit costs obtained from national price listings. We then developed a decision analytic tree to estimate nationwide costs of DFD in Brazil, while taking into the account the estimated cost per case and considering epidemiologic parameters obtained from a national survey, secondary data, and the literature. For inpatient care, ICD10 codes related to DFD were identified and costs of hospitalizations due to osteomyelitis, amputations, and other selected DFD related conditions were obtained from a nationwide hospitalization database. Direct medical costs of DFD in Brazil was estimated considering the 2014 purchasing power parity (PPP) (1 Int$ = 1.748 BRL). We estimated that the annual direct medical costs of DFD in 2014 was Int$ 361 million, which denotes 0.31% of public health expenses for this period. Of the total, Int$ 27.7 million (13%) was for inpatient, and Int$ 333.5 million (87%) for outpatient care. Despite using different methodologies to estimate outpatient and inpatient costs related to DFD, this is the first study to assess the overall economic burden of DFD in Brazil, while considering all of its syndromes and both outpatients and inpatients. Although we have various reasons to believe that the hospital costs are underestimated, the estimated DFD burden is significant. As such, public health preventive strategies to reduce DFD related morbidity and mortality and costs are of utmost importance.

Effectiveness of carbohydrates as a functional ingredient in glycemic control

High postprandial glycemia in the non-diabetic population is one of the known universal mechanisms for the progression of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which have impacted the finances of both individuals and of health systems. In order to highlight the role of carbohydrates in glycemic control and its implications on health, the International Life Sciences Institute Brazil held an international workshop on "Carbohydrates, Glycemia and Health". Carbohydrate digestion rate is related to glycemic response, which mainly depends on the quality and amount of carbohydrate ingested, and thus it may be modulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These effects can be verified by using different methods which evidence how physiology adapts in the uptake of glucose. Consumers can be aided with the knowledge/awareness of the benefits of high postprandial glycemia control in non-diabetic subjects. Multisectorial actions can contribute to decrease the onset and worsening of NCDs. A strategy indicated to the public in general to expand the availability of products that do not result in a sudden increase of postprandial plasma glucose and/or insulin would be to use alternative ingredients and/or technology in addition to making the legally allowed communication of benefits, which are supported by scientific studies.

Estimated Costs of Clinical and Surgical Treatment of Severe Obesity in the Brazilian Public Health System.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major global epidemic and a burden to society and health systems. This study aimed to estimate and compare the anual costs of clinical and surgical treatment of severe obesity from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System. METHODS: An observational and cross-sectional study was performed in three reference centers. Data collection on health resources utilization and productivity loss was carried out through an online questionnaire. Participants were divided in clinical (waiting list for a bariatric surgery) and surgical groups (open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), and then allocated by the time of surgery (up to 1 year; 1-2 years; 2-3 years; and >3 years). Costs of visits, medications, exams, and surgeries were obtained from government sources. Data on non-medical costs, such as transportation, special diets, and caregivers, were also colleted. Productivity loss was estimated using self-reported income. Costs in local currency (Real) were converted to international dollars (Int$ 2015). RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-four patients, 140 in surgical group and 134 in clinical group were included. In first postoperative year, the surgical group had higher costs than clinical group (Int$6005.47 [5000.18-8262.36] versus 2148.14 [1412.2-3506.8]; p = 0.0002); however, from the second year, the costs decreased progressively. In the same way, indirect costs decreased significantly after surgery (259.08 [163.63-662.72] versus 368.17 [163.62-687.27]; p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Total costs were higher in the surgical group in the first 2 years after surgery. However, from the third year on, the costs were lower than in the clinical group.