Lower Total Treatment Costs Research Articles

A cost-utility analysis of single maintenance and reliever (SMART) therapy as compared to step 3 fixed-dose therapy in patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma.

A significant percentage of patients with asthma appear to benefit from the addition of long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) to ICS to achieve better control of their disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the cost-utility of single inhaler combination inhaled ICS/LABAs as both maintenance and reliever (SMART) versus remaining at the same treatment step with fixed-dose ICS-LABA maintenance with a short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) as reliever in patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma. A Markov-type model was developed to estimate the costs and health outcomes of a simulated cohort of patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma treated for 12 months. The effectiveness data and transition probabilities were obtained from a recent meta-analysis. Cost data were obtained from official databases provided by the Colombian Ministry of Health. The main outcome was the variable "quality-adjusted life-years" (QALYs). The base-case analysis showed that compared with remaining at the same GINA treatment step with ICS/LABA maintenance plus SABA reliever, ICS/LABAs as SMART was associated with lower costs, US$2,906.92 versus $4,462.02 average cost per patient, and the greatest gain in QALYs, 0.8540 versus 0.8258 QALYs on average per patient, thus leading to dominance. Compared with remaining at the same GINA treatment step with ICS/LABA maintenance plus SABA reliever, ICS/LABAs as SMART is more cost-effective in patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma. This is because ICS/LABAs as SMART showed a greater gain in QALYs at lower total treatment costs.

Single inhaler combination inhaled corticosteroid–formoterol as both maintenance and reliever (SMART) compared with a step up of treatment with fixed-dose inhaled corticosteroid–long-acting β2-agonist maintenance with a short-acting β2-agonist as reliever in adolescents and adults with poorly controlled asthma in Colombia: a cost-utility analysis

Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the cost-utility of single inhaler combination inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABAs) as both maintenance and reliever (SMART) compared with a step-up maintenance treatment with a fixed medium to high dose of ICS combined with LABA and a short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) as reliever (ICS-LABA maintenance plus SABA) among patients aged 12 years or more with poorly controlled asthma in Colombia. Methods A Markov-type model was developed to estimate the costs and health outcomes of a simulated cohort of patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma treated for 12 months. The main effectiveness data were obtained from a recent meta-analysis. The main outcome was the variable ‘‘quality-adjusted life-years’’ (QALYs). Results The base-case analysis showed that the budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FORM) SMART strategy was associated with lower overall treatment costs (US $3,062.37 vs. $4,462.02 average cost per patient over 12 months) and the greatest gain in QALYs (0.8511 vs. 0.8258 QALYs on average per patient over 12 months) compared with ICS-LABA maintenance plus SABA at step 4, thus leading to dominance. Conclusions In patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma at GINA step 3 or 4, the BUD/FORM SMART strategy at either step 3 or 4 is cost-effective compared with the ICS-LABA maintenance plus SABA at step 4 strategy, because it shows a greater gain in QALYs at lower total treatment costs.

Operation room nursing based on humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide on rehabilitation effect after lung surgery

BACKGROUND With advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, lung segment surgery has become increasingly common. Postoperative rehabilitation is critical for patient recovery, yet challenges such as complications and adverse outcomes persist. Incorporating humanized nursing modes and novel treatments like nitric oxide inhalation may enhance recovery and reduce postoperative complications. AIM To evaluate the effects of a humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide inhalation on the rehabilitation outcomes of patients undergoing lung surgery, focusing on pulmonary function, recovery speed, and overall treatment costs. METHODS A total of 79 patients who underwent lung surgery at a tertiary hospital from March 2021 to December 2021 were divided into a control group (n = 39) receiving a routine nursing program and an experimental group (n = 40) receiving additional humanized nursing interventions and atomized inhalation of nitric oxide. Key indicators were compared between the two groups alongside an analysis of treatment costs. RESULTS The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in pulmonary function, reduced average recovery time, and lower total treatment costs compared to the control group. Moreover, the quality of life in the experimental group was significantly better in the 3 months post-surgery, indicating a more effective rehabilitation process. CONCLUSION The combination of humanized nursing mode and nitric oxide inhalation in postoperative care for lung surgery patients significantly enhances pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes, accelerates recovery, and reduces economic burden. This approach offers a promising reference for improving patient care and rehabilitation efficiency following lung surgery.

Efficacy of immediate versus delayed renal replacement therapy in septic patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy.

To compare the therapeutic efficacy of immediate versus delayed renal replacement therapy (RRT) in septic patients undergoing continuous RRT. We retrospectively analyzed 98 septic patients who received continuous RRT between August 2021 and January 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: RRT group (n=50, immediate RRT) and delayed RRT group (n=48), where RRT was delayed by 48 hours in the absence of renal function recovery. Demographic data, comorbidities, vital signs, laboratory results, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, and follow-up details were compared between the two groups. The RRT group showed significantly lower serum interleukin-6 and creatinine levels at 1, 3, and 5 days of treatment (P=0.006, P=0.021, P=0.007; P=0.016, P=0.006, P=0.021, respectively) compared with the delayed RRT group. Additionally, the RRT group had shorter ICU stays, reduced duration of mechanical ventilation, and lower total treatment costs (P=0.016, P=0.003, P=0.029). Post-treatment, the RRT group exhibited significantly lower APACHE II and SOFA scores (P=0.031, P=0.018), a shorter average ICU stay (P=0.009), and a lower mortality rate (P=0.018) than the delayed RRT group. Immediate RRT in septic patients undergoing continuous RRT significantly reduces inflammatory markers, accelerates patient outcome, and decreases short-term mortality compared to delayed treatment.

Efficacy analysis of enhanced recovery after surgery in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection of type I choledochal cyst.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of laparoscopic-assisted radical resection of type I choledochal cyst (CC) guided by the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). A retrospective cohort study of type I CC admitted to our hospital between May 2020 and December 2021 were analyzed, a total of 41 patients with choledochal cyst underwent surgery during this period and 30 cases were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients (n = 15) who received the traditional treatment from May 2020 to March 2021 were included in the traditional group. Patients (n = 15) who received ERAS from April 2021 to December 2021 were included in the ERAS group. Both groups underwent surgery performed by the same surgical team. Preoperative data of the two groups were recorded, and relevant data were statistically analyzed and compared. There was a statistically significant difference in the dose of opioids. Significant differences were observed between the ERAS and traditional groups in the results of the FLACC pain assessment scale on the 1st and 2nd day after surgery, time of gastric tube, urinary catheter and abdominal drainage tube removal, time of first defecation after operation, time of first eating after operation, time to reach full food intake, results of CRP, ALB, and ALT on the 3rd and 7th postoperative day, postoperative hospital stay, and total treatment cost. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of gender, age, body weight, cyst size, preoperative CRP, ALB, ALT, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and the number of cases converted to laparotomy. Neither the FLACC pain assessment scale on the 3rd day after surgery, the incidence of postoperative complications, nor the rate of readmission within 30 days showed significant differences. Laparoscopic-assisted radical resection of type I CC guided by the principles of ERAS is safe and effective for children. The ERAS concept demonstrated advantages over traditional laparoscopic surgery, including reduced opioid use, shorter time to first postoperative defecation, earlier resumption of postoperative feeding, shorter time to reach full feeding, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and lower total treatment cost.

The Use of Bacterial Lysate for the Prevention of Wheezing Episodes in Preschool Children: A Cost-Utility Analysis

Although increasing recent evidence has shown the efficacy of bacterial lysate therapy for the prevention of wheezing episodes and asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients, evidence of its cost-effectiveness in preschool patients is scarce. To evaluate the cost-utility of bacterial lysate therapy as an add-on to standard care of preschool children with recurrent wheezing. To achieve the objectives of the study, we used a Markov simulation model with 3 mutually exclusive nonabsorbent states (regular Markov chain). Effectiveness parameters were obtained from a recent systematic review of the literature with meta-analyses (5 randomized controlled trials, 433 children). Cost data were obtained from hospital bills and from the national manual of drug prices in Colombia. The study was carried out from the perspective of the national health care system in Colombia. The main outcome of the model was quality-adjusted life-years. To assess the robustness of the model's results, we performed deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Compared with standard care, bacterial lysate add-on therapy to standard care was associated with lower overall treatment costs (US $694.03 vs $830.71 average cost per patient) and the greatest gain in QALYs (0.9211 vs 0.9154 QALYs on average per patient), thus showing dominance. In Colombia, compared with standard care, bacterial lysate add-on therapy to standard care for treating preschool children with recurrent wheezing is a dominant strategy because it showed a greater gain in QALYs at lower total treatment costs.

Emergency department-initiated home oxygen for viral bronchiolitis: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

The use of emergency department (ED)-initiated outpatient oxygen therapy has been considered to be a possible alternative to hospitalization for otherwise healthy-appearing, well-hydrated infants with uncomplicated disease. However, a formal economic evaluation of this treatment strategy is lacking. The aim of the present study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of ED-initiated outpatient oxygen therapy versus conventional inpatient hospitalization in infants with uncomplicated hypoxic bronchiolitis living in Bogota, the high-altitude capital city of Colombia, a middle-income country (MIC). A decision analysis model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of ED-initiated outpatient oxygen therapy versus hospitalization. The main outcome of the model was avoidance of admission to a high-dependency unit. Compared to hospitalization, ED-initiated outpatient oxygen therapy was associated with lower total costs (US$306.7 vs. US$638.7 average cost per patient) and a higher probability of avoidance of admission to a high-dependency unit (0.9528 vs. 0.8960), thus leading to dominance. The results were robust to deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Our study suggests that in infants attending the ED with an uncomplicated hypoxic bronchiolitis episode in the city of Bogota, a high-altitude city, ED-initiated outpatient oxygen therapy is a dominant strategy compared to conventional inpatient hospitalization, because it involves a higher probability of avoidance of admission to a high-dependency unit, at lower total treatment costs.

As-Needed Use of Short-Acting β2-Agonists Alone Versus As-Needed Use of Short-Acting β2-Agonists Plus Inhaled Corticosteroids in Pediatric Patients With Mild Intermittent (Step 1) Asthma: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Although the efficacy of the as-needed use of short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) plus inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for treating children with mild intermittent asthma has been demonstrated, evidence of its cost-effectiveness is scarce. The aim of the present study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of the as-needed use of SABAs alone versus the as-needed use of SABAs plus ICS in children 5 to 11 years old with mild intermittent (step 1) asthma but suffering from an exacerbation of asthma symptoms. A decision-analysis model was adapted. Effectiveness parameters were obtained from a randomized clinical trial. Cost data were obtained from hospital bills and from the national manual of drug prices in Colombia. The study was carried out from the perspective of the national health care system in Colombia. The main outcome of the model was a first course of prednisone for an asthma exacerbation (AE). Compared with the use of SABAs alone, the as-needed use of SABAs plus ICS was associated with lower overall treatment costs (US$17.99 vs US$27.94 mean cost per patient) and a higher probability of a lack of a requirement for a first course of prednisone (0.6500 vs 0.5100), thus showing dominance. In Colombia, compared with the use of albuterol alone, the use of beclomethasone dipropionate added to albuterol as needed for symptom relief is cost-effective in children 5 to 11 years old with mild intermittent (step 1) asthma, because it involves a higher probability of a lack of a requirement for prednisone for AE at lower total treatment costs.

Clinical effect of application of nursing concept of rehabilitation surgery for improvement of quality of postoperative recovery in orthopedics

ObjectiveTo analyze the application of concept nursing of accelerated rehabilitation surgery in orthopedic postoperative recovery.MethodsA total of 120 patients who received orthopedic surgery were divided into the control group undergoing routine orthopedic nursing and the observation group undergoing the concept of accelerated rehabilitation surgery nursing.ResultsPatients in the observation group had shorter in-bed activity time and out-of-bed activity time, average time of hospital stay, and lower total treatment costs. The incidence of incision infection, respiratory system infection, digestive tract infection, urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, and other complications in the observation group was much lower. The recovery scores of joint function in the observation group at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation were all better, and the recovery rate of joint function within 1 year after the operation was higher.ConclusionFollowing the concept of accelerated rehabilitation surgery nursing during the perioperative period can improve the quality of postoperative orthopedic recovery.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of phenotypic-guided versus guidelines-guided bronchodilator therapy in viral bronchiolitis.

Although recent evidence suggests that management of viral bronchiolitis requires something other than guidelines-guided therapy, there is a lack of evidence supporting the economic benefits of phenotypic-guided bronchodilator therapy for treating this disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of phenotypic-guided versus guidelines-guided bronchodilator therapy in infants with viral bronchiolitis. A decision analysis model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of phenotypic-guided versus guidelines-guided bronchodilator therapy in infants with viral bronchiolitis. Phenotypic-guided bronchodilator therapy was defined as the administration of albuterol in infants exhibiting a profile of increased likelihood of response to bronchodilators. The effectiveness parameters and costs of the model were obtained from systematic reviews of the literature with meta-analyses and electronic medical records. The main outcome was the avoidance of hospital admission after initial care in the emergency department. Compared to guidelines-guided strategy, treating patients with viral bronchiolitis with the phenotypic-guided bronchodilator therapy strategy was associated with lower total costs (US$250.99; 95% uncertainty interval [UI]: US$184.37 to $336.51 vs. US$263.46; 95% UI: US$189.81 to $349.19 average cost per patient) and a higher probability of avoidance of hospital admission (0.7902; 95% UI: 0.7315-0.8356 vs. 0.7638; 95% UI: 0.7062-0.8201), thus leading to dominance. Results were robust to deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Compared to guidelines-guided strategy, treating infants with viral bronchiolitis using the phenotypic-guided bronchodilator therapy strategy is a more cost-effective strategy, because it involves a lower probability of hospital admission at lower total treatment costs.

A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis on Clinical Effectiveness and Economic Assessment of Compound Reserpine and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (CRH) for Hypertension.

Background/ObjectiveAs the first generation of anti-hypertensive drug independently developed by China, Compound Reserpine and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablet (CRH) has been widely used in China for more than 40 years. However, limited studies are available for the performance of CRH for the treatment of hypertension in real-world setting in China. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative clinical effectiveness and treatment costs between CRH and three other anti-hypertensive agents that include, Triprolidine Hydrochloride (TH: Diovan), Amlodipine Besylate Tablet (ABT: Norvasc), and Nifedipine Tablets (NT: Procardin) in real-world clinical practice.MethodsThis was a multicentre, retrospective study conducted from May 2011 to May 2016 at four tertiary hospitals in China. Data from patients’ electronic medical records (EMR) were retrieved and analysed. A retrospective propensity score-matched analysis was used for three pairs of comparisons. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and overall blood pressure (BP) control rate on the 10th and 20th days after treatment were compared. The overall cost of treatment was analysed across groups.ResultsIn three pairs of comparison, the patients who received CRH treatment obtained better blood pressure control at both day 10 and day 20. In addition, the patients who received CRH had lower total treatment costs compared with the other three anti-hypertensive drugs. Influential factor analysis showed that CRH is associated with a higher probability of BP control compared with the other three monotherapies in real-world clinical practice.ConclusionThe patients received CRH showed a higher overall BP control rate than the other three commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs, which indicates that CRH has a better benefit in BP control for hypertensive patients. Also, the total cost for hypertension treatment is lower in CRH patients compared with the other three comparator drugs. These findings suggest that CRH could be an effective and cost-effective option for hypertensive patients.

Cost-Effectiveness of Venetoclax and Rituximab Combination Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in Argentina

OBJETIVE: To estimate the cost- effectiveness of Venetoclax + Rituximab (VEN + R) versus ibrutinib in the treatment of Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), in Argentina from the Social Security perspective." METHODS: A three-state partitioned survival model (including pre-progression, post-progression and death) developed in accordance with the NICE Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal and the ISPOR decision modelling guidelines was adapted to Argentina setting. Population inputs are derived from the MURANO trial. Efficacy and safety data for treatments in R/R CLL were obtained from the literature. The cost of medication was based on country level drug prices. Costs of resources used for routine medical attention and the management of adverse events were based on tariffs from social security system of Argentina. Costs were expressed in US dollars ($) (exchange rate 1$ = 37.10 AR$, November 2018). A 30-year time horizon and the Social Security's payer's perspective were assumed. Costs and health outcomes were discounted at 5%. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PAS) were performed. RESULTS: Over a 30-year time horizon, VEN + R regimen generates a significantly lower total treatment cost in comparison to Ibrutinib (- US dollars ($) 312.679,37). In QALYs the result is higher in VEN + R related to the comparator (5.83 vs. 4.18). These show that VEN + R is a dominant treatment strategy over Ibutrinib in patients with R/R CLL. The univariate sensitivity and scenario analysis confirm the robustness of this result. Likewise, the probabilistic sensitivity analysis shows that there is a 100% probability that VEN + R is a cost-effective strategy against Ibrutinib. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that in Argentina, VEN+R would be dominant treatment option (better results and lower costs) compared with ibrutinib in R/R CLL patients. Disclosures Elgart: 3eff: Consultancy. Glancszpigel:3eff: Employment. Kanevsky:Abbvie: Employment. Godar:Abbvie: Employment. Touliet:Abbvie: Employment. Albaytero:3eff: Employment.

Advantage of inhaled corticosteroids as additional therapy to systemic corticosteroids for pediatric acute asthma exacerbations: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Objective: Although the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids (SCs) in acute asthma exacerbations is well established, the fact that many children still require admission to hospital and that SCs have a slow onset of action are cause of concern. For this reason, the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) as a therapy added to SCs has been explored, with no clarity about its cost-effectiveness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ICS in addition to SCs (ICS + SCs) compared to standard therapy with SCs for treating pediatric asthma exacerbations.Methods: A decision-analysis model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of SCs compared to ICS + SCs for treating pediatric patients with acute asthma exacerbations. Effectiveness parameters were obtained from a systematic review of the literature. Cost data obtained from hospital bills and from the national manual of drug prices. The study was carried out from the perspective of the national healthcare system in Colombia. The main outcome of the model was avoidance of hospital admission.Results: For the base-case analysis, the model showed that compared to SCs, therapy with ICS + SCs was associated with lower total costs (US$88.76 vs.US$97.71 average cost per patient) and a lower probability of hospital admission (0.9060 vs. 0.9000), thus showing dominance.Conclusions: This study shows that compared with standard therapy with SCs, ICS + SCs for treating pediatric patients with acute asthma exacerbations is the preferred strategy because it was associated with a lower probability of hospital admission, at lower total treatment costs.

Ultrasonic debridement management of lower extremity wounds: retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes and cost.

The aim of this study was to assess wound healing outcomes following direct, low-frequency, high-intensity, ultrasonic debridement as a surgical adjunct for non-healing lower extremity wounds. A retrospective review was conducted for patients undergoing lower extremity wound treatment with direct, low-frequency (22.5 kHz), high-intensity (~60 W/cm2) ultrasonic debridement between January 2010 and January 2016. Clinical outcomes were assessed up to 180-days post-ultrasonic debridement. Descriptive statistics, cost and univariate analysis were performed. Overall, 82 wounds in 51 patients were included. Mean age was 57.0 years (range: 32-69), and average body mass index (BMI) was 30.8 kg/m². Patient comorbidities consisted of smoking (47%; n=24), hypertension (75%; n=38), diabetes (45%; n=23), and peripheral vascular disease (51%, n=26). Average wound age at initial presentation was 1013 days (range: 2-5475 days) with an average wound size of 9.0cm x 7.4cm. At 180-days post-debridement, 60% (n=49) of wounds had completely healed. Readmission (47%; n=24) and reoperation (45%; n=23) rates were characterised by the reason for readmission and reoperation respectively. Readmission for wound healing (70%, n=39) was primarily for further debridements (41%; n=16). Wound infection (30%; n=7) was the most common readmission for wound complications (30%; n=17). Reoperations primarily consisted of treatments for further wound healing 96% (n=51). Cost analysis showed a lower total treatment cost for patients with improved healing ($78,698), compared with non-improved wounds ($137,707). In a complex, heterogeneous cohort of chronic extremity wounds, the use of direct, low-frequency, high-intensity, ultrasonic debridement is a safe and reliable adjunctive therapy for the management of these wounds.

Effects of Coronary Artery Revascularization with a Polymer-Free Biolimus A9-Coated BioFreedom Stent Versus Bypass Surgery before Noncardiac Surgery.

PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polymer-free drug-coated BioFreedom stent implantation in comparison to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) before major noncardiac surgery.Materials and MethodsIn a multicenter registry, 55 patients required revascularization before major noncardiac surgery that should not be delayed >6 months. Of them, 27 underwent BioFreedom stent implantation and 28 underwent CABG. Primary outcomes included rate of noncardiac surgery, time from revascularization to noncardiac surgery, and occurrence of composite outcomes (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, repeat revascularization, or major bleeding).ResultsThe rate of major noncardiac surgery was significantly higher in the BioFreedom group (92.6%) than in the CABG group (64.3%; p=0.027). Time from revascularization to noncardiac surgery was significantly shorter in the BioFreedom group (38.0 days) than in the CABG group (73.0 days; p=0.042). During the hospitalization for revascularization period, the occurrence of primary outcomes did not differ between the groups. However, the BioFreedom group showed a shorter hospitalization period and lower total treatment cost than the CABG group. During the hospital stay for noncardiac surgery, the occurrence of composite outcome was not significantly different between groups (4% vs. 0%; p>0.999): stroke occurred in only 1 case, and there were no cases of death or stent thrombosis in the BioFreedom group.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that BioFreedom stenting as a revascularization strategy before major noncardiac surgery might be feasible and safe in selected patients with less severe coronary artery diseases.

A cost and clinical effectiveness analysis among moist wound healing dressings versus traditional methods in home care patients with pressure ulcers.

The aim of the study was a cost and clinical effectiveness analysis between moist wound healing dressings and gauze in a homecare set up for the treatment of stage III and IV pressure ulcers up to complete healing. In addition, we assessed the overall economic burden on the Healthcare System. Treatment method for each patient was chosen randomly by using sealed opaque envelopes. The authors monitored the healing progress and recorded treatment costs without interfering with the treatment process. The healing progress was estimated by using surface measurement transparent films. To estimate treatment costs, the authors took into account labor costs, cost of dressings, as well the cost of other materials such as cleansing gauzes, normal saline, syringes, examination gloves, antiseptics and adhesive tape. The patient group under treatment with moist wound healing dressings consisted of 27 men and 20 women aged 75.1 ± 8,6 and had an average ulcer surface of 43.5 ± 30.70 cm(2) ; the patient group under treatment with gauze comprised 25 men and 23 women aged 77.02 ± 8.02 and had an average ulcer surface 41.52 ± 29.41 cm(2) (p = 0.25, 95% CI, Student's t test). The average healing time for the moist wound healing dressings group' was 85.56 ± 52.09 days, while 121.4 ± 52.21 days for the "gauze group" (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, Student's t test). The dressing change frequency per patient was reduced in the "moist wound healing dressings group," 49.5 ± 29.61, compared with a dressing change frequency per patient of 222.6 ± 101.86 for the "gauze group" (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, Student's t test). The use of moist wound healing dressings had a lower total treatment cost of 1,351 € per patient compared with, the use of gauzes (3,888 €).

In patients with acute flail chest does surgical rib fixation improve outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality?

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: In patients with acute flail chest does surgical rib fixation improve outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality? Using the reported search criteria, 137 papers were found. Of these, 11 papers (N = 1712) represent the best evidence to answer the clinical question, and include one meta-analysis, two randomized, controlled trials (RCTs), five retrospective cohort studies and two case-control series. In-hospital mortality was lower for the surgical group in the meta-analysis [n = 582, odds ratio (OR) 0.31 (0.20-0.48), risk difference (RD) 0.19 (0.13-0.26), number needed to treat (NNT) 5] as well as significant decreases in ventilator days [mean 8 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5-10 days] and intensive care unit stay (mean 5 days, 95% CI 2-8 days). A reduction was found for septicaemia [n = 345, OR 0.36 (0.19-0.71), RD 0.14 (0.56-0.23), NNT 7], pneumonia [n = 616, OR 0.18 (0.11-0.32), RD 0.31 (0.21-0.41), NNT 3, P = 0.001], tracheostomy (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02-0.20) and chest wall deformity [n = 228, OR 0.11 (0.02-0.60), RD 0.30 (0.00-0.60), NNT 3]. Eight studies (n = 1015) had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation following surgery. A reduction in intensive care unit stay was demonstrated in four papers (n = 389, 3.1-9.0 days), whereas a further three papers described a reduction in the duration of hospitalization (n = 489, 4-10.6 days). Three studies (n = 166) showed a lower risk for tracheostomy. One retrospective cohort study estimated lower total treatment costs in surgically treated patients ($32 300 vs $37 100) although not statistically significant. One retrospective case-control study described a lower risk for reintubation (n = 50, P = 0.034) and home oxygen requirements (n = 50, P = 0.034). One cohort study showed a better APACHE II score 14 days after trauma in the surgical group (P = 0.02). Surgical stabilization of flail chest in thoracic trauma patients has beneficial effects with respect to reduced ventilatory support, shorter intensive care and hospital stay, reduced incidence of pneumonia and septicaemia, decreased risk of chest deformity and an overall reduced mortality when compared with patients who received non-operative management.

Cost–utility analysis of once-daily versus twice-daily inhaled corticosteroid dosing for maintenance treatment of asthma in pediatric patients

Objective: Suboptimal adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICs) is an important cause of poor asthma control in pediatric patients. Among the factors that can be most easily changed for enhancing adherence to ICs is a reduction in the dosing frequency, from twice-daily dosing to once-daily dosing. However, no previous studies have reported an economic evaluation comparing once-daily versus twice-daily IC dosing for pediatric asthma. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of once-daily versus twice-daily IC dosing for maintenance treatment of asthma in pediatric patients. Methods: A Markov-type model was developed in order to estimate costs and health outcomes of a simulated cohort of pediatric patients with persistent asthma treated over a 12-month period. Effectiveness parameters were obtained from a systematic review of the literature. Cost data were obtained from official databases provided by the Colombian Ministry of Health. The main outcome was the variable “quality-adjusted life-years” (QALYs). Results: For the base-case analysis, the model showed that compared with twice-daily dosing, once-daily dosing strategy involved lower costs (US$1529.3 versus $1709.1 average cost per patient over 12 months) and the greatest gain in QALYs (0.8284 versus 0.8084 QALYs on average per patient over 12 months), resulting in once-daily dosing strategy being considered dominant. Conclusions: This study shows that compared with twice-daily dosing, once-daily IC dosing for treating pediatric patients with persistent asthma is the dominant strategy because it involves a greater gain in QALYs at lower total treatment cost.

Validation of the Inhospital Mortality for Pulmonary Embolism Using Claims Data (IMPACT) Prediction Rule within an All-Payer Inpatient Administrative Claims Database

Background: Current guidelines suggest that low risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients may be managed as outpatients or with an abbreviated hospital stay. There is need for a claims-based prediction rule that payers and hospitals can use to efficiently risk stratify PE patients. The authors recently derived a rule found to have high sensitivity and moderate specificity for predicting in-hospital mortality. Objective: To validate the In-hospital Mortality for PulmonAry embolism using Claims daTa (IMPACT) prediction rule originally developed in a commercial claims database in an all-payer administrative database restricted to inpatient claims. Methods: This study utilized data from the 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Adult PE admissions were identified by the presence of an appropriate International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code either in the primary position or secondary position when accompanied by a primary code for a PE complication. The IMPACT rule, consists of age + 11 weighted comorbidities calculated based upon the maximum of 25 ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes and 25 procedural codes reported for each discharge in the NIS (myocardial infarction, chronic lung disease, stroke, prior major bleeding, atrial fibrillation, cognitive impairment, heart failure, renal failure, liver disease, coagulopathy, cancer), and was used to estimate patients' risk of in-hospital mortality. Low risk was defined as in-hospital mortality ≤1.5%. We present the validity of the rule by calculating prognostic test characteristics and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In order to estimate the potential cost savings from an early discharge, we calculated the difference in total hospital costs between low-risk patients having and not having an abbreviated hospital stay (defined as ≤1, ≤2 or ≤3 days). Results: A total of 34,108 admissions for PE were included (46.7% male, mean ± standard deviation age of 61.9±17.2); and we observed a 3.4% in-hospital PE case-fatality rate. The IMPACT prediction rule classified 11,025 (32.3%) patient admissions as low-risk; and had a sensitivity of 92.4% (95%CI=90.7-93.8), specificity of 33.2% (95%CI=32.7-33.7), negative and positive predictive values of 99.2% (95%CI=99.0-99.4) and 4.6% (95%CI=4.4-4.9) and a C-statistic of 0.74 (95%CI=0.73-0.76) for in-hospital mortality. Low-risk patients had significantly lower in-hospital mortality (0.8% vs. 4.6%, odds reduction of 83%; 95%CI=79-87), shorter LOSs (-1.2 days, p<0.001) and lower total treatment costs (-$3,074, p<0.001) than patients classified as higher-risk. Of low-risk patients, 13.1%, 31.1% and 47.7% were discharged within 1, 2 and 3 days of admission. Low-risk patients discharged within 1 day accrued $5,465 (95%CI=$5,018-$5,911) less in treatment costs than those staying longer. Discharge within 2 or 3 days in low-risk patients was also associated with a reduced cost of hospital treatment [$5,820 (95%CI=$5,506-$6,133) and $6,314 (95%CI=$6,031-$6,597), respectively] when compared to those staying longer. Conclusion: The prior claims-based in-hospital mortality prediction rule was valid when used in this all-payer, inpatient only administrative claims database. The rule classified patients' mortality risk with high sensitivity and had a high negative predictive value; and consequently, may be valuable to those wishing to benchmark rates of PE treated at home or following an abbreviated hospital admission. Disclosures Coleman: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy, Research Funding. Crivera:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Employment, Equity Ownership. Schein:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Employment. Peacock:Singulex: Consultancy; Prevencio: Consultancy; The Medicines Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding; Portola: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cardiorentis: Research Funding; Banyan: Research Funding; Alere: Research Funding; Abbott: Research Funding; Comprehensive Research Associates, LLC: Equity Ownership; Emergencies in Medicine, LLC: Equity Ownership.

Validation of the multivariable In-hospital Mortality for PulmonAry embolism using Claims daTa (IMPACT) prediction rule within an all-payer inpatient administrative claims database

ObjectiveTo validate the In-hospital Mortality for PulmonAry embolism using Claims daTa (IMPACT) prediction rule, in a database consisting only of inpatient claims.DesignRetrospective claims database analysis.SettingThe 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization...