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Given the lack of cost-effectiveness information, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) with icodextrin (CAPD+ICO) has not yet been included in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-utility of dialysis treatments for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with fluid and sodium overload, comparing CAPD+ICO and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) against glucose-based CAPD. A Markov model was applied to evaluate lifetime costs and health outcomes from a societal perspective. Data, including transitional probabilities, direct medical and non-medical costs, and utilities, were collected from randomized controlled trials conducted across 16 hospitals in various regions of Thailand. Compared to glucose-based CAPD, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for CAPD+ICO was 908,440 THB (26,082 USD) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, while APD was dominated, incurring higher costs and yielding fewer QALYs. The results indicated that glucose-based CAPD had a 90% probability of being the most cost-effective option from a societal perspective, based on Thailand’s willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 160,000 THB (4,603 USD) per QALY gained. Therefore, CAPD+ICO is not considered a good value for money, requiring an additional annual budget of approximately 58 million THB (2 million USD). These findings provide important economic evaluation evidence to support policy decision-making alongside clinical effectiveness and equity considerations in guiding future UHC benefit package decisions for dialysis modalities among ESRD patients with fluid and sodium overload in Thailand.

Currently, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is costly and not included as latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening test strategy in Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) benefit package. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-utility of LTBI screening strategies among tuberculosis (TB) contacts in Thailand. A hybrid decision tree and Markov model was developed to compare the lifetime costs and health outcomes of tuberculin skin test (TST) and IGRA, in comparison to no screening, based on a societal perspective. Health outcomes were the total number of TB cases averted and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), with results presented as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to explore uncertainties in all parameters. The ICER of TST compared with no screening was 27,645 baht per QALY gained, while that of IGRA compared to TST was 851,030 baht per QALY gained. In a cohort of 1000 TB contacts, both TST and IGRA strategies could avert 282 and 283 TB cases, respectively. At the Thai societal willingness-to-pay threshold of 160,000 baht per QALY gained, TST was deemed cost-effective, whereas IGRA would not be cost-effective, unless the cost of IGRA was reduced to 1,434 baht per test.

Despite the availability of three network meta-analyses (NMA) examining the efficacy, treatment completion, and adverse events associated with all latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatments, there is currently no evidence to support the notion that the benefits of these treatments outweigh the potential risks. This NMA aimed to conduct a comprehensive comparison and update of the efficacy, treatment completion rates and adverse events associated with recommended treatment options for LTBI for individuals with confirmed LTBI, as outlined in the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) Consolidated Guidelines for TB preventive treatment. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE and Scopus databases was conducted until April 2023. The NMA was applied to estimate the risk difference and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) using a combination of direct and indirect evidence. The risk–benefit assessment was employed to evaluate the feasibility of the extra benefits in relation to the extra risks. The primary outcomes of interest in this study were active TB disease, completion rates, and adverse events. The meta-analysis incorporated data from 15 studies, which collectively demonstrated that the administration of a placebo resulted in a significant increase in the risk of developing TB disease by 1.279%, compared to the daily intake of isoniazid for 6 months (6H). Furthermore, treatment completion rates were significantly higher when using isoniazid plus rifapentine weekly for 3 months (3HP) and rifampicin daily for 4 months (4R), as compared to 6H. Considering adverse events, the combination of 3HP, 4R, and isoniazid administered daily for 9 months (referred to as 9H) significantly decreased adverse events by 4.53% in comparison to 6H. The risk–benefit assessment showed that alternative treatment regimens (9H, 4R, 3HR and 3HP) had a lower incidence of adverse events, while demonstrating a higher efficacy in preventing TB, as compared to 6H. This review indicates that there were no significant differences observed among various active treatment options in terms of their efficacy in preventing active TB. Moreover, completion rates were higher in 3HP and 4R, and a reduction in adverse events was observed in 3HP, 4R, and 9H.

Copyright © Cambridge University Press 20192019Cambridge University PressIntroductionHIV drug resistance (HIVDR) has significantly increased in Thailand. However, a new generation integrase inhibitor, dolutegravir, has not yet been included in the country's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). Since these drugs are high in costs, an economic evaluation is needed to support the decision. This study aims to assess the cost-utility analysis of dolutegravir for HIV-1 infection in Thailand.MethodsA Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-utility as follows: (i) the current practice of darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) + tenofovir (TDF) + lamivudine (3TC); (ii) DRV/r + etravirine (ETR) + TDF + 3TC; (iii) DRV/r + raltegravir (RAL) + TDF + 3TC; (iv) DRV/r + RAL + ETR; and (v) DRV/r + RAL + maraviroc (MVC); (vi) DRV/r + dolutegravir (DTG) + MVC; (vii) DRV/r + DTG + ETR; (viii) DRV/r + DTG + TDF + 3TC. The model incorporated cost data adjusted for 2017 using the consumer price index, and effectiveness data from a review of published studies. Outcomes were measured in life years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and future costs and outcomes were discounted at 3 percent per annum. Finally, a probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to deal with uncertainties around the parameters.ResultsAll alternative treatment regimens for HIV patients resistant to first- and second-line antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) in Thailand were found to be not cost-effective at the willingness-to-pay (WTP) of THB 160,000/QALY (USD 5,197/QALY). However, the eighth regimen of DRV/r + DTG + TDF + 3TC had the lowest lifetime cost at THB 5.3 million (USD 172,145) while increasing QALY by approximately 14 QALYs.ConclusionsAt a societal WTP of THB 160,000 per QALY gained (USD 5,197 per QALY gained), dolutegravir for HIV patients resistant to first- and second-line ARTs in Thailand was found to be not cost-effective.

A tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) can be used to screen for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Due to its low cost, TST has been used particularly in underdeveloped countries. The limitations of TST were poor specificity in populations with a high prevalence of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination and variability of test readers. IGRA is used as an alternative to TST in settings where higher costs can be supported. The lack of studies conducted in high TB incidence countries since previous review, and using relevant assessment tools of the quality appraisal make the need for updated studies and a more comprehensive systematic review. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of published economic evaluations of screening strategies for LTBI in contacts of TB patients, assess the quality of these studies, and compare the assessment results related to a country’s income level in order to provide information to other countries. The databases were searched in January 2022 including MEDLINE and Scopus. Two independent reviewers evaluated the included studies based on eligibility criteria, data extraction, and quality assessment. Eleven economic evaluations of LTBI diagnostic tests in TB contacts were included. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries (91%) and used cost-effectiveness analysis methods (73%). The quality assessment of reporting and data sources was appropriate, ranging from 71% to 89%. Interventions varied from study to study. The outcomes were cost per life years gained (27%), cost per quality-adjusted life year gained (27%), cost per TB case prevented (36%), and cost per close contact case (10%). In high-income countries which were not countries with high TB burden, the use of IGRA alone for screening TB contacts was cost-effective, whereas TST was cost-effective in only two studies. In comparison to TST, IGRA could reduce false-positive results, resulting in fewer patients undergoing TB treatment and preventive treatment.

Rapid molecular assays such as Xpert MTB/RIF and TB-LAMP accelerate pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis but are more expensive than smear microscopy. This study provided an updated economic synthesis for presumptive adult pulmonary TB in high-burden settings, broadening the evidence from Xpert MTB/RIF to other WHO endorsed tests compared to conventional strategies. Medline, Embase and Scopus were searched through March 2025. The strategy combined search terms related to molecular diagnostic tests, pulmonary tuberculosis, and economic evaluation study designs. Full economic evaluations comparing molecular tests with smear microscopy, culture or passive case-finding were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and adjusted costs to 2025 US dollars (USD) using average exchange rates. Reporting quality was appraised using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) 2022 checklist. Due to heterogeneity in evaluation criteria, model structures, time horizons, and outcome measures, meta-analysis were not feasible. Therefore, results were synthesized narratively, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were contextualized against country-specific cost-effectiveness thresholds to enable meaningful cross-study interpretation. Eight studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries with high TB burdens were included. All evaluated Xpert MTB/RIF and the Thai studies also examined TB-LAMP. Five studies reported cost per disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted or quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, while three used TB cases detected or years of life saved (YLS). CHEERS reporting quality was high (median is 23/28 items). Reported ICERs for molecular testing were either cost-saving or highly cost-effective compared with country-specific thresholds. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (five studies) indicated ≥90% probability of cost-effectiveness in four studies and 6% in one. Recent evidence supports the cost-effectiveness and cost-saving of Xpert MTB/RIF and TB-LAMP for diagnosing adult pulmonary TB. Policymakers should prioritize reducing cartridge costs and implementing models that capture patient-level benefits to maximize economic benefits.