Efficacy of adjunctive inhaled colistin and tobramycin for ventilator-associated pneumonia: systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) presents a significant challenge in intensive care units (ICUs). Nebulized antibiotics, particularly colistin and tobramycin, are commonly prescribed for VAP patients. However, the appropriateness of using inhaled antibiotics for VAP remains a subject of debate among experts. This study aims to provide updated insights on the efficacy of adjunctive inhaled colistin and tobramycin through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A thorough search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, COCHRANE Central, and clinical trials databases ( www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov ) from inception to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting specific inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. These criteria included mechanically ventilated patients diagnosed with VAP, intervention with inhaled Colistin and Tobramycin compared to intravenous antibiotics, and reported outcomes such as clinical cure, microbiological eradication, mortality, or adverse events.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 106 records, from which only seven RCTs fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed a higher likelihood of achieving both clinical and microbiological cure in the groups receiving tobramycin or colistin compared to the control group. The relative risk (RR) for clinical cure was 1.23 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.45), and for microbiological cure, it was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.06). However, there were no significant differences in mortality or the probability of adverse events between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive inhaled tobramycin or colistin may have a positive impact on the clinical and microbiological cure rates of VAP. However, the overall quality of evidence is low, indicating a high level of uncertainty. These findings underscore the need for further rigorous and well-designed studies to enhance the quality of evidence and provide more robust guidance for clinical decision-making in the management of VAP.

Exploratory analysis of the economically justifiable price of nirsevimab for healthy late-preterm and term infants in Colombia

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory syncytial virus infection is the leading cause of lower respiratory infection globally. Recently, nirsevimab has been approved to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. This study explores the economically justifiable price of nirsevimab for preventing RSV infection in Colombia's children under 1 year of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A static model was developed using the decision tree microsimulation to estimate the quality-adjusted costs and life years of two interventions: a single intramuscular dose of nirsevimab versus not applying nirsevimab. This analysis was made during a time horizon of 1 year and from a societal perspective.

RESULTS

The annual savings in Colombia associated with this cost per dose ranged from U$ 2.5 to 4.1 million. Based on thresholds of U$ 4828, U$ 5128, and U$ 19 992 per QALY evaluated in this study, we established economically justifiable drug acquisition prices of U$ 21.88, U$ 25.04, and U$ 44.02 per dose of nirsevimab.

CONCLUSION

the economically justifiable cost for nirsevimab in Colombia is between U$ 21 to U$ 44 per dose, depending on the willingness to pay used to decide its implementation. This result should encourage more studies in the region that optimize decision-making processes when incorporating this drug into the health plans of each country.

Genotype-driven asthma prescribing of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-agonist: A cost-effectiveness analysis

INTRODUCTION

Predicting response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) + long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) by previously detecting the presence of Arg16Gly ADRB2 genotype is a strategy that could reduce and optimize the management of asthmatic patients. There is a need for economic evaluations to facilitate the implementation of such tests. This research aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Arg16Gly ADRB2 screening in children with asthma in Colombia.

METHODS

From the perspective of a third-party payer, we conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of genotype-driven asthma prescribing based on the Arg16Gly ADRB2 genotype versus current treatment based on no genetic testing. Using four state-transition models, we estimate cost and QALYs employing micro-simulation modeling with a time horizon of 10 years and a cycle length of 1 week. Cost-effectiveness was assessed at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) value of US$5180.

RESULTS

The mean incremental cost of strategy genetic testing versus no genetic testing is US$ -6809. The mean incremental benefit of strategy genetic testing is 16 QALYs. The incremental net monetary benefit of strategic genetic testing versus no genetic testing is US$ 88,893. Genetic testing is the strategy with the highest expected net benefit. The outcomes derived from our primary analysis remained robust when subjected to variations in all underlying assumptions and parameter values.

CONCLUSION

Genetic testing of Arg16Gly ADRB2 is a cost-effective strategy to address asthma management in asthmatic children requiring ICS+LABA. This result should encourage the generation of more evidence and the incorporation of such evidence into clinical practice guidelines for pediatric asthma.

Cost effectiveness of omalizumab for severe asthma in Colombia

BACKGROUND

Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to free human immunoglobulin E. The introduction of this drug raises concerns about economic impact in scenarios with constrained. This study aimed to estimate the cost utility of omalizumab in adults with severe asthma uncontrolled in Colombia.

METHODS

We used a Markov state-transition model to estimate the cost and QALYs associated with omalizumab compared to standard of care; from a third payer perspective over a lifetime horizon. This model used local costs while utilities were derived from international literature. Cost and transition probabilities were obtained from a mixture of Colombian-specific and internationally published data.

RESULTS

The mean incremental cost of omalizumab versus standard of care is US$3 481. The mean incremental benefit of omalizumab versus standard of care 0.094 QALY. The incremental expected cost per unit of benefit is estimated at US$36846 per QALY. There is only a probability of 0.032 that Omalizumab is more cost-effective than standard of care at a threshold of US$5180 per QALY.

CONCLUSION

Omalizumab is not cost-effective in adults with severe asthma uncontrolled in Colombia. If the cost of Omalizumab is reduced by 83%, this treatment would be cost-effective in our country. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Cost-effectiveness of linezolid to ventilator-associated pneumonia in Colombia

INTRODUCTION

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Due to the increase in Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, it is important to consider other more effective and safer alternatives compared to vancomycin. This motivates evaluating whether the use of an apparently more expensive drug such as linezolid can be cost-effective in Colombia.

METHODS

A decision tree was used to simulate the results in terms of the cost and proportion of cured patients. In the simulation, patients can receive antibiotic treatment with linezolid (LZD 600 mg IV/12 h) or vancomycin (VCM 15 mg/kg iv/12 h) for 7 days, patients they can experience events adverse (renal failure and thrombocytopenia). The model was analyzed probabilistically, and a value of information analysis was conducted to inform the value of conducting further research to reduce current uncertainties in the evidence base. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) value of US$5180.

RESULTS

The mean incremental cost of LZD versus VCM is US$-517. This suggests that LZD is less costly. The proportion of patients cured when treated with LZD compared with VCM is 53 vs. 43%, respectively. The mean incremental benefit of LZD versus VCM is 10 This position of absolute dominance (LZD has lower costs and higher proportion of clinical cure than no supplementation) is unnecessary to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. There is uncertainty with a 0.999 probability that LZD is more cost-effective than VCM. Our base-case results were robust to variations in all assumptions and parameters.

CONCLUSION

LNZ is a cost-effective strategy for patients, ≥ 18 years of age, with VAP in Colombia- Our study provides evidence that can be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines.

Cost-utility of tiotropium in patients with severe asthma

Add-on therapy with tiotropium was cost-effective when added to usual care in patients who remain uncontrolled despite treatment with medium or high-dose ICS/LABA in a middle-income country.

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of asthma patients remain uncontrolled despite inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Some add-on therapies, such as tiotropium bromide, have been recommended for this subgroup of patients. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of tiotropium as an add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting b2 agonists for patients with severe asthma.

METHODS

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with severe asthma in Colombia. Total costs and QALYs of two interventions include standard therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators versus add-on therapy with tiotropium. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $5180.

RESULTS

The expected incremental cost per QALY (ICER) is estimated at US$-2637.59. There is a probability of 0.77 that tiotropium + ICS + LABA is more cost-effective than ICS + LABA at a threshold of US$5180 per QALY. The strategy with the highest expected net benefit is Tiotropium, with an expected net benefit of US$800. Our base-case results were robust to parameter variations in the deterministic sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Add-on therapy with tiotropium was cost-effective when added to usual care in patients who remain uncontrolled despite treatment with medium or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Economic evidence supports the cost savings of sputum eosinophil counts to guide the treatment of pediatrics patients with persistent asthma: implications for clinical practice guidelines in middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Tailoring asthma interventions based on biomarkers could substantially impact the high cost associated with asthma morbidity. For policymakers, the main concern is the economic impact of adopting this technology, especially in developing countries. This study evaluates the budget impact of asthma management using sputum eosinophil counts in Colombia patients between 4 and 18 years of age.

METHODS

A budget impact analysis was performed to evaluate the potential financial impact of sputum eosinophil counts (EO). The study considered a 5-year time horizon and the Colombian National Health System perspective. The incremental budget impact was calculated by subtracting the cost of the new treatment, in which EO is reimbursed, from the cost of the conventional therapy without EO (management based on clinical symptoms (with or without spirometry/peak flow) or asthma guidelines (or both), for asthma-related). Univariate one-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, the 5-year costs associated with EO and no-EO were estimated to be US$ 532.865.915 and US$ 540.765.560, respectively, indicating savings for Colombian National Health equal to US$ 7.899.645, if EO is adopted for the routine management of patients with persistent asthma. This result was robust in univariate sensitivity one-way analysis.

CONCLUSION

EO was cost-saving in guiding the treatment of patients between 4 and 18 years of age with persistent asthma. Decision-makers in our country can use this evidence to improve clinical practice guidelines, and it should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Vitamin D supplementation for children with mild to moderate asthma: an economic evaluation

INTRODUCTION

A large proportion of asthma patients remain uncontrolled despite using inhaled corticosteroids. Some add-on therapies such as vitamin D supplements have been recommended for this subgroup of patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-utility of vitamin D supplementation in children with mild to moderate persistent asthma in Colombia.

METHODS

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with severe asthma in Colombia. The model was analyzed probabilistically, and a value of information (VOI) analysis was conducted to inform the value of conducting further research to reduce current uncertainties in the evidence base. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) value of US$5180.

RESULTS

The mean incremental cost of vitamin D supplementation versus no supplementation is USD $44.60. The mean incremental benefit of vitamin D supplementation versus no supplementation is 0.05 QALY. This position of absolute dominance (vitamin D supplementation has lower costs and higher QALYs than no supplementation) is unnecessary to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Our base-case results were robust to variations in all assumptions and parameters.

CONCLUSION

Add-on therapy with vitamin D supplementation is a cost-effective strategy for patients between 6 and 17 years of age with mild to moderate asthma in Colombia.

Cost-utility of vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections in children

INTRODUCTION

Increasing evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections in children. More economic evaluations incorporating the new evidence and in the pediatric population are needed to know the efficiency of this treatment. This study aimed to determine the cost-utility of vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections in pediatric patients.

METHODS

A decision tree model was used to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of vitamin D supplementation in healthy school children between 1 and 16 years. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) value of $19,000.

RESULTS

The base-case analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation was associated with lower costs and higher QALYs than strategy without this supplementation. The QALYs per person estimated in the model for those treatments were 0,99 with vitamin D supplementation and 0,98 without vitamin D supplementation. The total costs per person were US$ 1354 for vitamin D supplementation and US$ 1948 without vitamin D supplementation. This position of absolute dominance of vitamin D supplementation makes it unnecessary to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study shows that Vitamin D supplementation is a cost-effective strategy to prevent ARI in pediatric patients, from a societal perspective.

Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor for Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Cost-Utility Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Despite the growing evidence of efficacy, scarce information exists regarding the cost of tadalafil to improve the functional classes of pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study aims to determine the cost-utility of tadalafil compared sildenafil to treat pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in Colombia.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed to compare expected costs, outcomes, and quality-adjusted life-years of sildenafil and tadalafil in pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The model was analyzed probabilistically, and a value of information analysis was conducted to inform the value of conducting further research to reduce current uncertainties in the evidence base. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of US $5180.

RESULTS

The mean incremental cost of tadalafil versus sildenafil is US $15 270. The 95% credible interval for the incremental cost ranges from US $28 033.65 to US $5940.86. The mean incremental benefit of tadalafil versus sildenafil is 1.00 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY). The 95% credible interval for the incremental benefit ranges from 1.88 to 0.31 QALY. The expected incremental cost per QALY is estimated at US $15 286. There is a probability less than 1% that tadalafil is more cost-effective than sildenafil at a threshold of US $5180 per QALY. Form the value of information analysis, the theoretical upper bound on the value of further research was US $9.298 for Colombia.

CONCLUSION

Our economic evaluation shows that tadalafil is not cost-effective regarding sildenafil to treat pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in Colombia. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines.

Comparison of three alternatives for the management of moderate asthma in children aged 6-11 years: a cost-utility analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent asthma guidelines for children 6-11 years with persistent asthma advocate three alternatives: SMART (budesonide/formoterol 80/4.5 mcg qd plus additional doses as needed), fixed combination of budesonide/formoterol, and fixed-dose budesonide. Concerns have arisen as to which of the proposed alternatives has the best possible cost-effectiveness profile. This study aimed to assess the health and economic consequences of SMART, fixed combination, and fixed-dose budesonide therapy in children 6-11 years old with persistent asthma.

METHODS

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with persistent asthma. Total costs and QALYs of SMART, fixed combination, and fixed-dose budesonide therapy were calculated over a time horizon of 6 years. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The mean QALY per patient was 0.57 and 0.56 QALYs per patient per year of SMART and fixed combination and 0,52 with fixed-dose budesonide. The total mean of discounted costs per patient per cycle were US$111 for SMART, US$133 for fixed combination, and US$67 for fixed-dose budesonide. The net monetary benefit of SMART was US$12,549, US$12278 for fixed combination, and US$11,380 for fixed-dose budesonide.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that SMART was more cost-effective than fixed combination and fixed-dose budesonide. These findings complement and support the GINA 2021 and National Asthma Education and Prevention Program asthma guideline recommendations for use of inhaled corticosteroids-formoterol in children 6-11 years old with persistent asthma.

Fluticasone furoate plus vilanterol in patients with moderate persistent asthma: a cost-utility analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol (FF/VI) has emerged as an alternative therapy, since it is administered every 24 h, in contrast to other ICS/LABAs such as fluticasone propionate plus salmeterol (FP/Salm), which requires administration every 12 h. Concerns have arisen over whether the benefit generated by FF/VI justifies the additional costs it involves over FP/Salm. This study aimed at assessing the health and economic consequences of FF/VI in patients with moderate-severe persistent asthma.

METHODS

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with persistent asthma. Total costs and QALYs for FF/VI and FP/Salm were calculated over a lifetime horizon. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000.

RESULTS

We estimated a gain of 16.8 and 10.7 QALYs per patient per year on FF/VI and FP/Salm, respectively. At the same time, we observed a difference of US$216 in total discounted cost per person-year on FF/VI with respect to FP/Salm. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of FF/VI was USD $70 per QALY with respect to FP/Salm. In the deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, our base-case results were robust to variations in all assumptions and parameters.

CONCLUSION

FF/VI is more cost-effective than FP/Salm. The evidence supports using FF/VI therapy in Colombia, and the study should be replicated in other middle-income countries.

The role of high carbohydrate-rich food intake and severity of asthma exacerbation in children between 2 to 6 years aged

INTRODUCTION

Over the last decades, dietary habits in developing countries have been characterized by low intake of fruits and vegetables and high consumption of sweetened drinks. Most of the evidence linking carbohydrate intake and asthma comes from children over 6 years of age. The aim of this study was to examine the association between macronutrient intake and the severity of asthma exacerbations in children aged 2-6 years.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study that included all children aged 2-6 years hospitalized due to an asthma exacerbation. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) validated in the Colombian population. The GINA classification of acute asthma was used to define the severity. To identify factors independently associated with asthma exacerbation severity, we fit the data to ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS

During the study period, 228 cases of patients with asthma exacerbation were included. Asthma severity was dose-dependently associated with protein and carbohydrate-rich intake. The variables included in the multivariable analysis included reactive C protein (OR 1.05, CI 95% (1.03-1.07)), smoking at home (OR 3.92 (1.82-8.44)), atopic dermatitis (OR 3.82 (1.59-9.21)), and protein and carbohydrate-rich food intake (OR 0.11 (0.03-0.33)) and (OR 2.42 (1.09-5.80)), respectively.

CONCLUSION

High carbohydrate-rich food intake is associated with the severity of asthma exacerbation adjusted by other known risk factors such as atopy, smoking, and reactive C protein. This evidence should motivate the development of public health policies to control the consumption of sugar-rich products in children under 6 years.

Cost-Utility of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Respiratory Distress in Preterm Infants in a Middle-Income Country

OBJECTIVES

Despite the increased popularity of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for preterm infants with respiratory distress, there is still uncertainty about whether the additional costs of this device justify the clinical benefits provided. This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility of CPAP in spontaneously breathing preterm infants with respiratory distress.

METHODS

Using a decision tree model, we estimated the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with CPAP and supplemental oxygen alone by headbox or low-flow nasal cannula (SO). The model was analyzed probabilistically, and a value of information analysis was conducted to inform the value of conducting further research to reduce current uncertainties in the evidence base. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of US$5180.

RESULTS

The mean incremental cost of CPAP versus SO was US$600. The mean incremental benefit of CPAP versus SO was 0.04 QALY. The expected incremental cost per QALY was estimated at US$13 172. The mean incremental net monetary benefit was US$-324 with a 95% credible interval of US$-536 to US$-201. The overall expected value of perfect information per person affected by the decision was estimated to be US$2346.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with SO, the use of CPAP in spontaneously breathing preterm infants with respiratory distress is not cost-effective in Colombia. Evidence should continue to be generated with real-life effectiveness data and economic evaluations in other countries to confirm our findings.

OM-85 BV in pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections: a cost-utility analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the growing evidence on efficacy, little is known regarding the cost-utility of Vaxom/Imocur (OM-85 BV) supplementation to decrease the probability of recurrent respiratory tract infections in OM-85 BV to reduce the incidence of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children.

METHODS

A decision tree model was used to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of OM-85 BV in a patient aged 1-6 with a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the model. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using the willingness-to-pay defined for Colombia of US$5180 per QALY. The time horizon defined was six months. Costs were estimated from a societal perspective.

RESULTS

The expected annual cost per patient with OM-85 BV was US$843 and with placebo was US$1167. The QALYs per person estimated with OM-85 BV was 0.91 and with placebo was 0.89.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study shows that OM-85 BV is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the incidence of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of continuous positive airways pressure versus high flow oxygen cannula in acute bronchiolitis

INTRODUCTION

There are a trend towards increasing use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC), outside of paediatric intensive care unit. Give this trend is necessary to update the actual evidence and to assess available published literature to determinate the efficacy of HFNC over Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) as treatment for children with severe bronchiolitis.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and COCHRANE Central, and gray literature in clinical trials databases ( www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov ), from inception to June 2022. The inclusion criteria for the literature were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that included children < 2 years old, with acute moderate or severe bronchiolitis. All study selection and data extractions are performed independently by two reviewers.

RESULTS

The initial searches including 106 records. Only five randomized controlled trial that met the inclusion criteria were included in meta-analysis. The risk of invasive mechanical ventilation was not significantly different in CPAP group and HFNC group [OR: 1.18, 95% CI (0.74, 1.89), I² = 0%] (very low quality). The risk of treatment failure was less significantly in CPAP group than HFNC group [OR: 0.51, 95% CI (0.36, 0.75), I² = 0%] (very low quality).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there was no significant difference between HFNC and CPAP in terms of risk of invasive mechanical ventilation. CPAP reduces de risk of therapeutic failure with a highest risk of non severe adverse events. More trials are needed to confirm theses results.

Tiotropium for children and adolescents with severe asthma

IntroductionAn important proportion of asthma patients remain uncontrolled despite using inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Some add-on therapies, such as tiotropium bromide have been recommended for this subgroup of patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of tiotropium as add-on therapies to ICS + LABA for children and adolescents with uncontrolled allergic asthma.MethodsA probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with severe asthma in Colombia. Total costs and QALYS of two interventions including standard therapy (ICS + LABA), and add-on therapy with tiotropium, were calculated over a time horizon from 6 to 18 years. Probability sensitivity analyses were conducted.ResultsFor a patient with severe asthma, our markov model showed that compared to standard therapy, add-on therapy with tiotropium was associated with higher treatment costs and QALY . The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio estimated was US$2,017 in the probabilistic model after Monte-Carlo simulation. Our base-case results were robust to variations in all assumptions and parameters. The incremental net monetary benefit of US$327 with a 95% credible interval of US$396 to US425.ConclusionAdd-on therapy with tiotropium was cost-effective when added to usual care in children and adolescents with severe asthma who remained uncontrolled despite treatment with medium or high-dose ICS/LABA. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Cost utility of Vitamin D supplementation in adults with mild to moderate asthma

IntroductionUncontrolled asthma significantly impairs health-related quality of life and work productivity. Some add-on therapies, such as vitamin D supplements, safely reduce the rate of asthma exacerbation. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-utility of vitamin D supplementation in adults with mild to moderate persistent asthma in Colombia.MethodsA Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with severe asthma in Colombia. Total costs and QALYs of two therapy strategies, vitamin D supplementation plus ICS versus ICS alone, were calculated over a one-year time horizon. Deterministic and probability sensitivity analyses were conducted, and cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $5,180 per QALY gained.ResultsThe base-case analysis showed that compared with no supplementation, vitamin D supplementation was associated with higher costs and higher QALYs. The expected annual cost per patient with vitamin D supplementation was US$1338 and without this supplementation it was US$1095. The QALYs per person estimated with vitamin D supplementation was 0,80, and without this supplementation it was 0,63. The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was US$1583 per QALY.ConclusionAdd-on vitamin D supplement was cost-effective when added to the usual care in patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines.

Impact of the updating of clinical guidelines for RSV bronchiolitis on the use of diagnostic testing and medications in tertiary hospitals in Colombia

Introduction

the incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection and their variability in the clinical management, make this disease a candidate for monitoring adequate use of resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the updating of clinical guidelines for RSV bronchiolitis on the use of diagnostic testing and medications in tertiary hospitals in Colombia.

Methods

we performed a cross-sectional study, evaluating the frequencies of drug prescription and medical tests, before (January-December 2016) and after (January to December 2019) of updating and dissemination of a new protocol for the treatment of RSV bronchiolitis in two tertiary hospitals in Colombia.

Results

a total of 108 patients with RSV bronchiolitis were included. The demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations were similar in both groups. The length of hospital stays was similar in both groups. We did not find statistically significant differences in the frequency of medical tests. There was a decrease in the use of salbutamol (67.3% pre-protocol vs 51.8% post-protocol; P < .01). There were also significant reductions in the use of nebulized hypertonic saline solution (91.6% vs 82.6% P = 0.004).

Conclusion

our results demonstrate that the updating of clinical guidelines for RSV bronchiolitis was effective, as it achieved decreases in the use of bronchodilators and nebulized hypertonic saline solution. It is necessary to continue developing new strategies targeted to increase adherence to guidelines and evaluate the impact on the use of resources.

Occult bacteraemia in children with fever without focus though previously vaccinated against pneumococcus

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) have reduced the rate of occult bacteraemia in developed countries. However, reports on the incidence of occult bacteraemia in tropical regions are scarce. The aim of our study was to determine its frequency in children consulting for fever without focus in Colombia after introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. We concluded that in tropical areas, testing for occult bacteraemia should be considered regardless of previous pneumococcal conjugate vaccination status.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and eosinophil count in induced sputum to guide the management of children with asthma: a cost-utility analysis

Introduction

Previous evidence has shown that fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and eosinophil count in induced sputum (EO) are cost-effective relative to standard of care in guiding the management of children with persistent asthma. There is some doubt as if there are differences between these two biomarkers in terms of costs and benefits. Clarifying this doubt would allow prioritization of the design of clinical practice guidelines. The study aimed to compare in terms of costs and benefits these biomarkers in patients with asthma between 4 and 18 years of age.

Methods

A Markov model was used to estimate the cost-utility of asthma management using FeNO and EO in patients between 4 and 18 years of age. Transition probabilities, cost and utilities were estimated from previously published local studies, while relative risks were obtained from the systematic review of published randomized clinical trials. The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective.

Results

The expected annual cost per patient with EO was US $1376 (CI 95% US $1376–US $1377) and for FeNO was US $1934 (CI 95% US $1333–US $1334), with a difference of US $42.3 between these strategies. The Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per person estimated with EO was 0.95 (CI 95% 0.951–0.952) and for FeNO was 0.94 (CI 95% 0.930–0.940), with a difference of 0.01 between these strategies. The NMB with EO was US $4902 (CI 95% 4900–4904) and for FeNO was US $4841 (CI 95% 4839–4843). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EO was $3566 per QALY gained regarding FeNO.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that induced sputum-guided management is a strategy cost-effective over FeNO and standard asthma management in Colombia. This evidence should encourage the adoption of any of these techniques to objectively guide the management of children with asthma in routine clinical practice in low-resource settings.

Podotimod in pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections: a cost-utility analysis

INTRODUCTION

Despite the growing evidence on efficacy, few economic evaluations have evaluated the cost-utility of Pidotimod (PDT) supplementation to decrease the probability of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. This study aimed to determine the cost-utility of PDT to reduce the incidence rate of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children.

METHODS

A decision tree model was used to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of PDT in a patient aged 1-6 with a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the model. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) value of US$5180.

RESULTS

The base-case analysis showed that compared with placebo, PDT was associated with lower costs and higher QALYs. The expected annual cost per patient with PDT was US$797 (CI 95% US$794- US$801) and with placebo was US$1175 (CI 95% US$1169- US$1181). The QALYs per person estimated with PDT was 0.95 (CI 95% 0.94-0.95) and with placebo was 0.94 (CI 95% 0.94-0.94). The NMB with PDT was US$ 4121 (CI 95% 4114-4127) and with placebo was US$ 3710 (CI 95% 3700-3720). This position of absolute dominance (PDT has lower costs and higher QALYs than placebo) of PDT it is unnecessary to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion our study shows that PDT is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the incidence rate of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines.

Cost-effectiveness of procalcitonin for detection of serious bacterial infections in children presenting with fever without source

INTRODUCTION

Procalcitonin (PCT) offers better specificity than C-reactive protein (CRP) to detect SBI. However, their cost limited their use and routine application. The objective of this work is to determine the cost-effectiveness of PCT against CPR or Rochester scale in infants between 1 and 3 months from the perspective of the third payer in Colombia.

METHODS

A Monte Carlo simulation was performed with a hypothetical cohort of 10,000 patients with fever without focus (FWS) between 1 to 3 months, to estimate the number of cases correctly diagnosed for each test and the associated costs with each test.

RESULTS

The test with the highest number of correctly diagnosed cases was PCT 79%, followed by C-reactive protein 75%, and the Rochester scale 68%. The test with the lowest cost per patient was PCT $645 (95% CI US$646-US$645) followed by C-reactive protein U$ 653 (95% CI US$655-$645) and Rochester scale US$804 (95% CI US$807-US$804). This position of dominance of PCT eliminated the need to calculate an incremental cost effectiveness ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

PCT is the most cost-effective strategy for the detection of IBS in infants with FWS. These results should be interpreted within the clinical context of the patient and not as a single method for therapeutic decision-making.

Cost Utility of Intermittent Inhaled Corticosteroids in Preschoolers with Viral-Triggered Wheeze

Background: Evidence has demonstrated that adding intermittent inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to treatment with short-acting b2-agonists (SABAs) in children 5 years of age and younger who experience intermittent viral-induced wheezing (VIW) reduces the risk of severe exacerbations. However, there is concern about whether the extra benefit offered by this drug outweighs the additional cost. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of intermittent ICS in children 5 years of age and younger who experience intermittent VIW. Methods: We constructed a probabilistic Markov model to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of intermittent ICS compared with SABA reliever therapy in preschoolers with viral-triggered wheezing in Colombia. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $5,180. Results: In an analysis of the Markov cohort model, we estimated a gain of 0.2 QALYs per patient per year on intermittent ICS compared with SABA and a reduction of cost per patient of USD $37 per year. This position of dominance negated the need to calculate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, our base case results were robust to variations of all assumptions and parameters. Conclusion: Adding intermittent ICS to treatment with SABAs in children 5 years of age and younger who experience intermittent VIW was found to be cost effective. These results could improve the use of health care resources, especially in settings with limited economic resources.

TLR4 Gene Polymorphisms Interaction With Ascaris Infection in Severe RSV Bronchiolitis

INTRODUCTION

The identification of gene-environment interactions allows the recognition of groups with higher risk of morbidity. This study evaluated the interaction between the presence of TLR4 gene polymorphisms and Ascaris infection with severe bronchiolitis in a tropical Colombian region.

METHODS

We included all infants younger than 24 months hospitalized due to bronchiolitis in Hospital centers in the county of Rionegro, Colombia. To identify interaction between severe bronchiolitis and presence of TLR4 polymorphisms and Ascaris infection, we used log-binomial regression.

RESULTS

Four hundred and seventeen infants were hospitalized due to bronchiolitis, of which 115 (27%) had severe bronchiolitis. In infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) acute infection and positive anti-Ascaris IgE, TLR4 Asp299Gly was associated to low risk of severe bronchiolitis (OR 0.09, CI 95% 0.01-0.48). Conversely, in infants RSV negative with negative anti-Ascaris IgE, TLR4 Asp299Gly was associated with an increased risk of severe bronchiolitis (OR 14.5, CI 95% 2.2-96).

CONCLUSION

In our population there is an interaction between the presence of severe bronchiolitis, TLR4 Asp299Gly and Ile399Thr polymorphisms, anti-Ascaris IgE levels and RSV. This association should be evaluated in other populations to elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of severe bronchiolitis.

SMART therapy in adolescent and adults patients with moderate persistent asthma: a cost-utility analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent asthma guidelines, recommends for persistent asthma as first alternative low dose inhaled budesonide-formoterol maintenance and reliever over fixed combination of low doses inhaled corticosteroids - long-acting beta-agonist, or fixed-dose inhaled corticosteroids. Concerns arise as to which of the proposed alternatives has the best possible cost-effectiveness profile. This study aimed to assess the health and economic consequences of SMART, fixed combination, and fixed-dose inhaled corticosteroids in patients with moderate-severe persistent asthma.

METHODS

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with persistent asthma. Total costs and QALYs of SMART, fixed combination, and fixed-dose inhaled corticosteroids were calculated over a lifetime horizon. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000.

RESULTS

The model suggests a potential gain of 1.27 and 1.34 QALYs per patient per year on SMART respect to fixed combination and fixed-dose ICS respectively. We observed a reduction of US$4 in total discounted cost per person-year on SMART with respect to fixed combination and US$0.1 respect to fixed-dose ICS. In the deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, our base-case results were robust to variations of all assumptions and parameters.

CONCLUSION

SMART therapy was found to be cost-effective regarding fixed combination and fixed-dose inhaled corticosteroids. This evidence supports the use of SMART therapy in Colombia and must to be replicated in others middle-income countries.

Cost-utility of as-needed ICS-formoterol versus to maintenance ICS in mild to moderate persistent asthma

Background

Recent asthma guidelines, such as the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), recommend in adult patients as-needed inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)-formoterol as an alternative to maintenance ICS in mild to moderate persistent asthma. The introduction of these recommendations concerns whether using as-needed budesonide-formoterol would be more cost-effective than to maintenance ICS. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of as-needed combination low-dose budesonide-formoterol compared to short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) reliever therapy in patients with mild asthma.

Methods

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with mild asthma in Colombia. Total costs and QALYs of low-dose budesonide-formoterol compared to short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) were calculated over a lifetime horizon. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000.

Results

The model suggests a potential gain of 0.37 QALYs and per patient per year on as-needed ICS-formoterol and a reduction in the discounted cost per person-year, of as-needed ICS-formoterol to maintenance ICS, of US$40. This position of dominance of as-needed ICS-formoterol negates the need to calculate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. In the deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, our base‐case results were robust to variations in all assumptions and parameters.

Conclusion

Low-dose budesonide-formoterol as a reliever was cost-effective when added to usual care in patients with mild asthma. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Cost-utility of triple versus dual inhaler therapy in moderate to severe asthma

Background

An important proportion of asthma patients remain uncontrolled despite using inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Clinical guidelines recommend, in these patients, using add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists (triple therapy) to treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids-long-acting beta2-agonist (dual therapy). The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of triple therapy versus dual therapy for patients with severe asthma.

Methods

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with severe asthma in Colombia. Total costs and QALYS of dual and triple therapy were calculated over a lifetime horizon. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000.

Results

The model suggests a potential gain of 1.55 QALYs per patient per year on triple therapy with respect to dual therapy. We observed a difference of US$304 in discounted cost per person-year on triple therapy with respect to dual therapy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was US$196 in the probabilistic model. In the sensitivity analysis, our base‐case results were robust to variations in all assumptions and parameters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, triple therapy in patients with moderate-severe asthma was cost-effective. Using triple therapy emerges with our results as an alternative before using oral corticosteroids or biologics, especially in resource-limited settings.

Cost-utility analysis of dupilumab add on therapy versus standard therapy in adolescents and adults for severe asthma in Colombia

INTRODUCTION

Dupilumab is a recombinant human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. This drug raises concerns about the economic impact in scenarios with constrained resources. This study aimed to estimate the cost-utility of dupilumab plus standard care (SoC) vs SoC alone in adolescents and adults with severe asthma and eosinophilic phenotype.

METHODS

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with uncontrolled allergic asthma in Colombia. Total costs and QALYs of standard therapy (ICS + LABA), add-on therapy with dupilumab, were calculated over a lifetime horizon. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) value of $19,000.

RESULTS

The base-case analysis showed dupilumab was associated with higher annual annual per-patient costs (US$5,719 for dupilumab and US$1,214 for standard therapy) and higher QALYs than standard therapy (fe  4.06 QALYs vs 3.97 QALYs, respectively). . The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio estimated was US$50,160 per QALY gained.

CONCLUSION

Dupilumab is not cost-effective using a WTP of US$19000 per QALY threshold in Colombia. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Cost-utility of as-needed combination low-dose budesonide-formoterol in adolescents mild asthma

BACKGROUND

Previously evidence has demonstrated that as-needed combination low-dose budesonide-formoterol reduced the risk of severe exacerbations compared with short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) reliever therapy in an adolescent with mild asthma. Concerns as if the extra benefit offered by this drug outweighs the additional cost. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of as-needed combination low-dose budesonide-formoterol compared with short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) reliever therapy in adolescents with mild asthma in Colombia.

METHODS

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with mild asthma in Colombia. Total costs and QALYs of low-dose budesonide-formoterol compared with short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) were calculated over a lifetime horizon. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000.

RESULTS

The model suggests a potential gain of 0.03 QALYs and per patient per year on low-dose budesonide-formoterol. The cost difference per person was US$-4 per patient per year in favor of budesonide- formoterol. The position of dominance negates the need to calculate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. In the one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, our base-case results were robust to variations of all assumptions and parameters.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, low-dose budesonide-formoterol as a reliever was found to be cost-effective when added to usual care in adolescents with mild asthma. This evidence should promote economic evaluations in developed and developing countries for the inclusion of new drugs in health insurance plans.

Budget Impact Analysis of Hypertonic Saline Inhalations for Infant Bronchiolitis: The Colombian National Health System Perspective

OBJECTIVES

Nebulized 3% hypertonic solution (HS) is associated with lower total cost and higher quality-adjusted life-years. Nevertheless, the expected budget impact of this drug had not been explicitly estimated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the budget impact of 3% HS in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis in Colombia.

METHODS

A budget impact analysis was performed to evaluate the potential financial impact of the use of 3% HS. The analysis considered a 4-year time horizon and a Colombian national health system perspective. The incremental budget impact was calculated by subtracting the cost of the new treatment, in which 3 % HS (added to humidified oxygen) was reimbursed, from the cost of the conventional treatment without 3 % HS (only humidified oxygen or adrenaline nebulization). Univariate 1-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, the 4-year costs associated with HS and non-3% HS were estimated to be $47 792 230 and $53 312 832, respectively, indicating savings for Colombian national health system equal to $5 520 602 if HS is adopted for the routine management of patients with acute bronchiolitis. This result was robust in univariate 1-way sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

HS was cost saving in emergency settings for treating infants with acute bronchiolitis. This evidence can be used by decision makers in Colombia to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Children Less Than Two Years in Colombia

This retrospective study describes the epidemiology and risk factors associated with severe complications in lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a population of infants hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital in a tropical region of Colombia. RSV was detected in 193 (46.3%) of 417 patients with LRTI. The average hospital stay lasted for 5.9 days. Severe hypoxemia (SpO2 ≤90% in the emergency department) was present in 57.5% of the patients. After controlling for potential confounders, comorbidities bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital heart disease, length of hospital stay, and alveolar infiltrates in X-ray were independent predictors of severe complications in RSV LRTI.

The cost-utility of early use of high-flow nasal cannula in bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen is a non-invasive ventilation system that was introduced as an alternative to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), with a marked increase in its use in pediatric care settings. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early use of HFNC compared to oxygen by nasal cannula in an infant with bronchiolitis in the emergency setting.

METHODS

A decision tree model was used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of HFNC compared with oxygen by nasal cannula (control strategy) in an infant with bronchiolitis in the emergency setting. Cost data were obtained from a retrospective study on bronchiolitis from tertiary centers in Rionegro, Colombia, while utilities were collected from the literature.

RESULTS

The QALYs per patient calculated in the base-case model were 0.9141 (95% CI 0.913-0.915) in the HFNC and 0.9105 (95% CI 0.910-0.911) in control group. The cost per patient was US$368 (95% CI US$ 323-411) in HFNC and US$441 (95% CI US$ 384-498) per patient in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

HFNC was cost-effective HFNC compared to oxygen by nasal cannula in an infant with bronchiolitis in the emergency setting. The use of this technology in emergency settings will allow a more efficient use of resources, especially in low-resource countries with high prevalence of bronchiolitis .

Disability-adjusted life years for acute bronchiolitis in infants in Colombia

Introduction

acute bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants worldwide. However, little is known about the real impact of on society in terms of years of life lost due to this condition. The objective of the present study is to determine the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for acute bronchiolitis in infants in Colombia.

Methods

data from the national epidemiological surveillance system were used to estimate DALYs, calculated from the sum of years of life lost and years lived with disability due to acute bronchiolitis in Colombia. A bootstrapped method with 10,000 iterations was used to estimate each statistical parameter using the package DALYs calculator in R.

Results

in 2019, 447,434 years of life (confidence interval 95% 397,647- 512,759) were lost due to acute bronchiolitis in Colombian infants. The estimated rate was 34 DALYs/1000 person-year (95% confidence interval 30-39).

Conclusion

our paper shows the high burden of disease associated with bronchiolitis in Colombia. Prevention strategies, such as acute bronchiolitis vaccination, to reduce morbidity associated with acute bronchiolitis should be encouraged in our country.

Cost-utility of azithromycin in patients with severe asthma

BACKGROUND

An important proportion of asthma patients remain uncontrolled despite the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Some add-on therapies, like azithromycin, have been recommended for this subgroup of patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of azithromycin as an add-on therapy to ICS + LABA for patients with severe asthma.

METHODS

A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with severe asthma in Colombia. The total costs and QALYS of two interventions, including standard therapy (ICS + LABA), and add-on therapy with azithromycin, were calculated over a lifetime horizon. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000.

RESULTS

The model suggests a potential gain of 0.037 QALYs per patient per year on azithromycin, with a difference of US $718 in favor of azithromycin, showing dominance with respect to SOC. A position of dominance negates the need to calculate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. In the deterministic sensitivity analyses, our base-case results were robust to variations in all assumptions and parameters.

CONCLUSION

Add-on therapy with azithromycin was found to be cost-effective when added to usual care in patients who remain uncontrolled despite treatment with medium or high-dose ICS/LABA.

Budget impact analysis of high-flow nasal cannula for infant bronchiolitis: the Colombian National Health System perspective

BACKGROUND

High-flow nasal cannula is a non-invasive ventilation system that was introduced as an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure), with a marked increase in its use in pediatric care settings. However, the expected budget impact of this intervention has not been explicitly estimated. This study aimed to evaluate the budget impact of the high-flow nasal cannula for acute bronchiolitis in Colombia.

METHODS

A budget impact analysis was performed to evaluate the potential financial impact deriving from high-flow nasal cannula during 2020. The analysis considered a 5-year time horizon and Colombian National Health System perspective. The incremental budget impact was calculated by subtracting the cost of the new treatment, in which a high-flow nasal cannula is reimbursed, from the cost of the conventional treatment without a high-flow nasal cannula (supplemental oxygen through a nasal cannula up to a maximum of 2 liters per minute). Univariate one-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis the 5-year costs associated with high-flow nasal cannula and no- high-flow nasal cannula were estimated to be US$159,585,618 and US$172,751,689 respectively, indicating savings for Colombian National Health equal to US$13,166,071 if the high-flow nasal cannula is adopted for the routine management of patients with acute bronchiolitis. This result was robust in univariate sensitivity one-way analysis.

CONCLUSION

High-flow nasal cannula was cost-saving in emergency settings for treating infants with acute bronchiolitis. This evidence can be used by decision-makers in our country to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Cost of illness of RSV infection in a middle-income tropical country

BACKGROUND

Despite the burden of disease of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children, there are important gaps in knowledge about the potential impact in terms of health as well as social and healthcare resources. The aim of this study was to describe the economic burden of RSV in the first two years of life in Colombia.

METHODS

We conducted a cost-of-illness study, taking a population prevalence-based approach. A decision tree model was constructed with a time horizon of two years. We defined the following outcomes: death, RSV infection with long term complications, RSV with acute complications, RSV without complications. Inpatient and outpatient costs were collected directly from medical invoices of patients who attended a tertiary referral hospital.

RESULTS

The mean cost per patient with an RSV infection was US$ 178.35 CI 95% (30.7-541.67 US$). The total cost of RSV infection in children less than 2 years in Colombia was US $ 64 443 616 per year (CI 95% US$11 092 902 - US$195 722 867). In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the mean cost per patient with RSV infection was only sensitive to changes in the cost of recurrent wheezing, cost of outpatient visits and cost of hospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

The infection by RSV in Colombia generates a high economic burden on the health system. Generating comprehensive data on healthcare resource use and costs associated with RSV will help to provide valuable information for the development of cost-effectiveness models, and help guide prevention strategies against RSV.

Cost utility of fractional exhaled nitric oxide monitoring for the management of children asthma

Introduction

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide is a simple, non-invasive measurement of airway inflammation with minimal discomfort to the patient and with results available within a few minutes. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of asthma management using fractional exhaled nitric oxide monitoring in patients between 4 and 18 years of age.

Methods

A Markov model was used to estimate the cost-utility of asthma management using fractional exhaled nitric oxide monitoring versus asthma management without using fractional exhaled nitric oxide monitoring (standard therapy) in patients between 4 and 18 years of age. Cost data were obtained from a retrospective study on asthma from a tertiary center, in Medellin, Colombia, while probabilities of the Markov model and utilities were obtained from the systematic review of published randomized clinical trials. The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective.

Results

The model showed that fractional exhaled nitric oxide monitoring was associated with a lower total cost than standard therapy (US $1333 vs. US $1452 average cost per patient) and higher QALYs (0.93 vs. 0.92 average per patient). The probability that fractional exhaled nitric oxide monitoring provides a more cost-effective use of resources compared with standard therapy exceeds 99% for all willingness-to-pay thresholds.

Conclusion

Asthma management using fractional exhaled nitric oxide monitoring was cost-effective for treating patients between 4 and 18 years of age with mild to moderate allergic asthma. Our study suggests evidence that could be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines, but this should be replicated in different clinical settings.

[Predictors of hospitalization plus airway support among infants with recurrent wheezing in the emergency department]

OBJECTIVE

Most patients with recurrent wheezing are infants under 2 years of age. Clinical prediction models of the risk of receiving airway support during the hospital stay in this population have been poorly studied in tropical countries. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical predictors of hospitalization plus airway support among infants with recurrent wheezing evaluated in the emergency department in Colombia.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed. This study included all infants with two or more wheezing episodes who were younger than two years old in two tertiary centers in Rionegro, Colombia, between January 2019 and December 2019. The primary outcome measure was hospitalization plus any airway support. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with hospitalization plus any airway support.

RESULTS

A total of 85 infants were hospitalized plus any airway support, of whom 34(40%) were treated with high flow nasal canula, 2(2%) received non-invasive ventilation, 6(7%) were mechanically ventilated, and 43 (51%) received conventional oxygen therapy. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that predictors of hospitalization plus airway support included prematurity (OR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.04-3.10), poor feeding (OR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.25-3.94), nasal flaring and/or grunting (OR=4.27, 95%CI: 2.41-7.56), and previous wheezing episodes requiring hospitalization (OR=3.36, 95%CI: 1.86-7.08). The model has a high specificity (99.6%) with acceptable discrimination and an area under the curve of 0.70(95%CI: 0.60-0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that prematurity, poor feeding, nasal flaring and/or grunting, and more than one previous episode of wheezing requiring hospitalization are independent predictors of hospitalization plus airway support in a population of infants with recurrent wheezing in the emergency department. More evidence must be collected to examine the results in other tropical countries.

Budget impact analysis of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Monitoring for the Management of Childhood Asthma: The Colombian National Health System perspective

BACKGROUND

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide is a simple, non-invasive measurement of airway inflammation with minimal discomfort with results available within a few minutes. For policymakers, the main concerns is the economic impact implicated in adapting this technology, especially in developing countries. This study to evaluate the budget impact of asthma management using fractional exhaled nitric oxide monitoring in patients between 4 and 18 years of age in Colombia.

METHODS

A budget impact analysis was performed to evaluate the potential financial impact deriving from Fractional exhaled nitric oxide. The analysis considered a 5-year time horizon and Colombian National Health System perspective. The incremental budget impact was calculated by subtracting the cost of the new treatment, in which FeNO is reimbursed, from the cost of the conventional treatment without FeNO (management based on clinical symptoms (with or without spirometry/peak flow) or asthma guidelines (or both), for asthma-related). Univariate one-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis the 5-year costs associated to FeNO and no-FeNO were estimated to be € 469.904.130 and € 480.485.149 respectively, indicating savings for Colombian National Health equal to € 10.581.019, if FeNO is adopted for the routine management of patients with persistent asthma. This result was robust in univariate sensitivity one-way analysis.

CONCLUSION

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was cost-saving in emergency settings for infants with persistent asthma. This evidence can be used by decision-makers in our country to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Budget impact analysis of surfactant therapy for bronchiolitis in critically ill infants: the Colombian National Health System perspective

Background

Severe bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation was associated with an absence of surfactant activity and phosphatidylglycerol, causing airway obstruction in acute bronchiolitis. Exogen surfactant in mechanically ventilated infants decreased duration of stay in the intensive care unit and had favorable effects on oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. This study aimed to evaluate the budget impact of surfactant therapy for bronchiolitis in critically ill infants in Colombia.

Methods

Budget impact analysis was performed to estimate the economic impact of surfactant therapy (ST) for the treatment of infants with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis, requiring mechanical ventilation. The analysis considered a 4-year time horizon and Colombian National Health System perspective. The model estimated drug costs associated with current scenario using humidified oxygen or adrenaline nebulization, and new scenario adding exogen surfactant. The size of the target population was calculated using epidemiological national data. Univariate one-way sensitivity analyses and scenario analyses were performed.

Results

In the base-case analysis the 4-year costs associated to ST and no-ST were estimated to be US$ 55,188,132 and US$ 55,972,082 respectively, indicating savings for Colombian National Health equal to US$ 783,950 if ST is adopted for the routine management of patients with bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation. In the one-way sensitivity analysis, only increases in the cost of the surfactant drug and cost or length of stay in the pediatric intensive unit reduce the potential savings of ST.

Conclusion

ST was cost-saving in emergency settings for treating infants with severe bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation. This shift in treatment approach proved to be economically favorable in the Colombian context.

Costs of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalizations in Colombia

BACKGROUND

Several clinical practice guidelines exist for the management of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, but the use and overuse of medications and medical tests with insufficient evidence of effectiveness remains substantial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the medical costs associated with bronchiolitis hospitalizations caused by RSV infection among infants aged < 2 years in Colombia.

METHODS

This was a prevalence-based cost-of-illness multicentric study performed from the societal perspective during 2016-2017. A case was defined as a laboratory-confirmed RSV infection with hospitalization. All costs and use of resources were collected directly from medical invoices and health records.

RESULTS

This study included 193 patients with a diagnosis of RSV. The average hospital stay duration was 5.55 days. The major contributors to hospitalization costs were room costs (31.5%), drugs (21.8%), and indirect costs (14.9%). Medications with the highest costs were nebulization with a hypertonic solution and systemic antibiotics. In total, 96% of β-lactam antibiotics, 90% of bronchodilators, and 86% of corticosteroids and epinephrine were classified as inappropriate.

CONCLUSION

RSV infection in Colombia places a high economic burden on the health system. Generating comprehensive data on healthcare resource use and costs associated with RSV will help to provide valuable information for the development of cost-effectiveness models and to guide RSV-prevention strategies.

A predictive model of inappropriate use of medical tests and medications in Bronchiolitis

Few studies have identified predictors of inappropriate use of medications and medical tests in bronchiolitis. This study aimed to look for potential factors associated with the inappropriate use of medications and tests in bronchiolitis. A retrospective study that included all infants under two years of age in tertiary center admitted due to Bronchiolitis from January 2015 to December 2018. We defined a composite score as the main outcome variable. 1930 patients were included. The most prescribed medications were nebulized hypertonic saline in 1789 patients (92.6%), albuterol (56%), and β-lactam antibiotics (26.4%). The medical tests more commonly ordered were hemogram (95.9%), chest X-rays (92.2%) and C-reactive protein (79.8%). After controlling for potential confounders, it was found that the length of hospital stay increases the risk of the inappropriate use of medications and tests (OR 1.29; CI 95% 1.01-1.65), whereas fever (OR 0.22; CI 95% 0.06-0.71) and leukocytosis (> 15,000/μL) (OR 0.09; CI 95% 0.03-0.32) at admission decrease the risk of the inappropriate use of medications and tests. Inappropriate use of diagnostic tests and drugs for bronchiolitis was a highly prevalent outcome in our population. Patients with longer hospitalizations, absence of fever and a normal white blood cell count at admission, were at increased risk of inappropriate use of medications and medical tests.

Disability-adjusted life years for respiratory syncytial virus in children under 2 years

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus infection is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in Colombia. There is growing evidence about the impact of Respiratory syncytial virus on society in terms of years of life lost due to this condition. The objective of the present study is to determine the Disability-Adjusted Life Years for respiratory syncytial virus in children under 2 years in Colombia.

METHODS

Data from the national epidemiological surveillance system were used to estimate DALYs, calculated from the sum of years of life lost and years lived with disability due to RSV infection in Colombia. A bootstrapped method with 10,000 iterations was used to estimate each statistical parameter using the package DALY calculator in R.

RESULTS

In 2019, 260,873 years of life (CI95% 208,180-347,023) were lost due to RSV bronchiolitis in Colombian children under 2 years. The estimated rate was 20 DALYs / 1000 person-year (95% CI 16-27).

CONCLUSION

This is the first report estimating the impact of RSV bronchiolitis morbidity and mortality in Colombia. The findings of the present study suggest that the actual burden and cost of bronchiolitis due to RSV is high. Prevention strategies, such as RSV vaccination, to reduce morbidity associated with RSV infection should be encouraged in our country.

The cost-effectiveness of hypertonic saline inhalations for infant bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND

Pharmacological treatment for bronchiolitis is primarily supportive because bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics, show little benefit. Clinical studies have suggested that nebulized 3% hypertonic solution is useful for infants with bronchiolitis. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the HS inhalations in infant bronchiolitis in a tropical country.

METHODS

Decision tree analysis was used to calculate the expected costs and QALYs. All cost and use of resources were collected directly from medical invoices of 193 patient hospitalized with diagnosis of bronchiolitis in tertiary centers, of Rionegro, Colombia. The utility values applied to QALYs calculations were collected from the literature. The economic analysis was carried out from a societal perspective.

RESULTS

The model showed that nebulized 3% hypertonic solution, was associated with lower total cost than controls (US $200vs US $240 average cost per patient), and higher QALYs (0.92 vs 0.91 average per patient); showing dominance. A position of dominance negates the need to calculate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

CONCLUSION

The nebulized 3% hypertonic solution was cost-effective in the inpatient treatment of infant bronchiolitis. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other tropical countries.

Cost-utility of use of sputum eosinophil counts to guide management in children with asthma

BACKGROUND

Tailoring asthma interventions based on sputum eosinophils are beneficial in reducing the frequency of asthma exacerbations. The routine use of sputum eosinophils in asthma in children is not uniformly adopted. The main barriers to policymakers adopting new technologies are always doubts about their cost-utility in scenarios with scarce health resources. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-utility of sputum eosinophil counts to guide management in children with asthma, from a societal perspective.

METHODS

A Markov simulation with three mutually exclusive nonabsorbent states was used. The intervention evaluated was adjustment of asthma therapy based on sputum eosinophils to adjusting therapy based on clinical symptoms with or without spirometry/peak flow in children between 4 and 18 years of age (EO). The group comparison was adjusting therapy based on clinical symptoms with or without spirometry/peak flow (SC). The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective. The analytic horizon was 12 months.

RESULTS

The model showed that EO was associated with lower cost than SC (US $1375 vs US $1454 average annual cost per patient), and higher QALYs (0.95 vs 0.92 average per patient); showing dominance. The probability that EO provides a more cost-effective use of resources compared with standard therapy exceeds 99% for all willingness to pay thresholds.

CONCLUSION

EO was cost-effective for infants with asthma to guide asthma management in Children. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.

Social and economic variables related with Paraquat self-poisoning: an ecological study

BACKGROUND

Paraquat self-poisonings constitute a significant contributor to the global burden of suicide. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between social and economic variables with the incidence of self-poisoning with Paraquat in the northeast of Colombia.

METHODS

Records of 154 cases of self-poisoning with Paraquat and several socio-economic variables of six regions of northeast of Colombia were analyzed.

RESULTS

Most of the cases were mestizos, farmworkers, between 20 and 29 years, with intentional exposure using the oral route. Multivariate analyses revealed significant associations among the incidence of self-poisoning with PQ with the ecological factors such as poverty greater than 30% (IRR 15.9 IC95% 5.56-44.72), land Gini index < 0.7 (IRR 7.11 IC95% 3.58-14.12), private health insurance < 40% (IRR 3.39 IC95% 1.30-8.82) and planted area > 10% (IRR 2.47 IC95% 1.60-3.80).

CONCLUSION

There is a relationship between ecological factors and, as such, this study opens the way to further developments in the field.