With the rapid development of modern agriculture,the prevention and control of crop diseases and insect pests has become an important part to ensure the safety of agricultural production,the quality of agricultural pr...With the rapid development of modern agriculture,the prevention and control of crop diseases and insect pests has become an important part to ensure the safety of agricultural production,the quality of agricultural products and the safety of agricultural ecological environment.Although the effect of traditional chemical prevention and control technology is remarkable,the health risks and environmental problems brought by it should not be ignored.As a green and environmentally friendly means of prevention and control,biological prevention and control technology has gradually become a hot research topic and a trend of agricultural production.This paper is intended to comprehensively evaluate the social costs of biological control technologies for crop diseases and pests,including the health risks reduced,environmental improvements,economic benefits,and barriers to promotion,and put forward corresponding policy recommendations.展开更多
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to global healthcare systems. As the pandemic unfolded, it became evident that certain groups of individuals were at an elevated risk of experie...Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to global healthcare systems. As the pandemic unfolded, it became evident that certain groups of individuals were at an elevated risk of experiencing severe disease outcomes. Among these high-risk groups, individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions emerged as particularly vulnerable. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the length of stay, mortality, and costs of COVID-19 patients with and without a history of cardiac disease. Design: This retrospective study was conducted in Jam Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from March 21, 2021, to March 21, 2022. All patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized during this period were included. Results: A total of 500 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, with 31.6% having a history of cardiac disease and 68.4% without any cardiac disease. Patients with cardiac disease were significantly older (median [range] age, 69.35 [37 - 94] years) compared to non-cardiac patients (54.95 [13 - 97] years) (p Conclusion: Patients with cardiac disease who are hospitalized with COVID-19 have a higher mortality rate, longer hospital stays, greater disease severity, ICU admission, and higher costs. Therefore, improved prevention and management strategies are crucial for these patients.展开更多
Background: Kidney (renal) diseases and dialysis are among the most costly disorders and represent a worldwide burden. In this study, we evaluate the medical costs for individuals with kidney diseases and risk factors...Background: Kidney (renal) diseases and dialysis are among the most costly disorders and represent a worldwide burden. In this study, we evaluate the medical costs for individuals with kidney diseases and risk factors for the diseases in Japan. Data and Methods: The dataset used contained 113,979 medical checkups and 3,172,066 medical cost records obtained from 48,022 individuals in one health insurance society. The sample period was April 2013 to March 2016. We evaluated the distribution of all medical costs, and those of kidney diseases specifically. Then the power transformation Tobit model was used to remove the effects of other variables. Finally, a probit analysis was used to analyze the risk factors. Results: In 0.25% of all cases, individuals were diagnosed with kidney diseases. An individual with kidney disease cost 14.5 times more than those without kidney disease. If the diseases progressed into chronic kidney disease (CKD), the medical costs increased substantially. Even disregarding various characteristics of individuals, this conclusion did not vary. We found important risk factors included diabetes and blood pressure problems. In particular, an individual with both factors had a high probability of developing kidney disease. Conclusion: Kidney diseases are much costlier than other diseases. Screening high-risk individuals, educating patients, and ensuring that treatment begins at an early stage are critically important to controlling medical costs. Limitations: The dataset was observatory, and the sample period was only 3 years.展开更多
BACKGROUND Infliximab was the first approved biologic treatment for moderate to severe Crohn's disease(MS-CD) in China. However, the cost-effectiveness of infliximab maintenance therapy(IMT) for MS-CD relative to ...BACKGROUND Infliximab was the first approved biologic treatment for moderate to severe Crohn's disease(MS-CD) in China. However, the cost-effectiveness of infliximab maintenance therapy(IMT) for MS-CD relative to conventional maintenance therapy remained unclarified.AIM To assess the cost-effectiveness of IMT for MS-CD in Chinese patients from the perspective of Chinese public insurance payer.METHODS A cohort of MS-CD patients managed in a Chinese tertiary care hospital was created to compare IMT with conventional maintenance therapy(CMT) for clinical outcomes and direct medical costs over a 1-year observation time using conventional regression analyses. A decision-analytic model with the generated evidence was constructed to assess the cost-effectiveness of IMT relative to CMT using reimbursed medical costs.RESULTS Based on the included 389 patients, IMT was associated with significantly higher disease remission chance [odds ratio: 4.060, P = 0.003], lower risk of developing new complications(odds ratio: 0.527, P = 0.010), higher utility value for quality of life(coefficient 0.822, P = 0.008), and lower total hospital costs related to disease management(coefficient-0.378, P = 0.008) than CMT. Base-case cost-effectiveness analysis estimated that IMT could cost Chinese health insurance payers $55260 to gain one quality-adjusted life year(QALY). The cost-effectiveness of IMT was mainly driven by the estimate of quality of life, treatment efficacy of maintenance therapy, mortality risk associated with active disease, and unit price of infliximab. The probability that IMT was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of three times gross domestic product [2018 Chinese gross domestic product per capita(GDPPC)] was 86.4%.CONCLUSION IMT significantly improved real-world health outcomes and cost the Chinese public health insurance payers less than one GDPPC to gain one QALY in Chinese MS-CD patients.展开更多
Background: The American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and other organizations announced a new hypertension guideline in November 2017. However, previous studies have pointed out that t...Background: The American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and other organizations announced a new hypertension guideline in November 2017. However, previous studies have pointed out that this new guideline might lack sufficient evidence to justify its use. Data and Methods: The effects of blood pressure (BP) on medical costs and on the probability of having heart disease as anamnesis are analyzed. We used a dataset containing 175,123 medical checkups and 6,312,125 receipts from 88,211 individuals obtained from three health insurance societies from April 2013 to March 2016. The dataset was divided into subgroups based on whether the patients had diabetes and took hypertension medications. The power transformation and probit models were used in the study. Results: We observed negative effects of systolic BP (SBP) on medical costs in most subgroups. We could not find evidence that higher SBP made the medical costs and probability of having heart diseases higher. The results raise uncertainty about the reliability of the new guideline, at least for SBP. Conclusion: The results of this study did not support the new 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, at least for SBP. The new guideline must be more carefully reevaluated by additional studies. Limitations: The dataset was observatory, the sample period was only 3 years, and we could not complete a time-series analysis of individuals.展开更多
Objective To determine the impact of smoking on disease-specific health care utilization and medical costs in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases(NCDs).Methods Participants were middle-aged and elderly adu...Objective To determine the impact of smoking on disease-specific health care utilization and medical costs in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases(NCDs).Methods Participants were middle-aged and elderly adults with chronic NCDs from a prospective cohort in China.Logistic regressions and linear models were used to assess the relationship between tobacco smoking,health care utilization and medical costs.Results Totally,1020 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),3144 patients with coronary heart disease(CHD),and 1405 patients with diabetes were included in the analysis.Among patients with COPD,current smokers(β:0.030,95%CI:−0.032-0.092)and former smokers(β:0.072,95%CI:0.014-0.131)had 3.0%and 7.2%higher total medical costs than never smokers.Medical costs of patients who had smoked for 21-40 years(β:0.028,95%CI:−0.038-0.094)and≥41 years(β:0.053,95%CI:−0.004β0.110)were higher than those of never smokers.Patients who smoked≥21 cigarettes(β:0.145,95%CI:0.051-0.239)per day had more inpatient visits than never smokers.The association between smoking and health care utilization and medical costs in people with CHD group was similar to that in people with COPD;however,there were no significant associations in people with diabetes.Conclusion This study reveals that the impact of smoking on health care utilization and medical costs varies among patients with COPD,CHD,and diabetes.Tobacco control might be more effective at reducing the burden of disease for patients with COPD and CHD than for patients with diabetes.展开更多
AIM: To define the cost-effectiveness of strategies, including endoscopy and immunosuppression, to prevent endoscopic recurrence of Crohn’s disease following intestinal resection.METHODS: In the  ...AIM: To define the cost-effectiveness of strategies, including endoscopy and immunosuppression, to prevent endoscopic recurrence of Crohn’s disease following intestinal resection.METHODS: In the “POCER” study patients undergoing intestinal resection were treated with post-operative drug therapy. Two thirds were randomized to active care (6 mo colonoscopy and drug intensification for endoscopic recurrence) and one third to drug therapy without early endoscopy. Colonoscopy at 18 mo and faecal calprotectin (FC) measurement were used to assess disease recurrence. Administrative data, chart review and patient questionnaires were collected prospectively over 18 mo.RESULTS: Sixty patients (active care n = 43, standard care n = 17) were included from one health service. Median total health care cost was $6440 per patient. Active care cost $4824 more than standard care over 18 mo. Medication accounted for 78% of total cost, of which 90% was for adalimumab. Median health care cost was higher for those with endoscopic recurrence compared to those in remission [$26347 (IQR 25045-27485) vs $2729 (IQR 1182-5215), P < 0.001]. FC to select patients for colonoscopy could reduce cost by $1010 per patient over 18 mo. Active care was associated with 18% decreased endoscopic recurrence, costing $861 for each recurrence prevented.CONCLUSION: Post-operative management strategies are associated with high cost, primarily medication related. Calprotectin use reduces costs. The long term cost-benefit of these strategies remains to be evaluated.展开更多
The inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD) are chronicincurable inflammatory disorders of the gut. Some 10% run a downhill course, requiring emergency medical support and often surgery; another small subset are monogenic, a...The inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD) are chronicincurable inflammatory disorders of the gut. Some 10% run a downhill course, requiring emergency medical support and often surgery; another small subset are monogenic, and, threatening pediatric patients, are the challenge of these days. The majority of the IBDs, however, are polygenic low-penetrance diseases, running a lifetime waxing-and-waning course. The prevalent trend is towards a slow worsening and steady cost increase. Each and all drugs of the available arsenal exhibit strengths and weaknesses: Mesalamines are chiefly effectively for mildmoderate colitis, and do not work in Crohn's; steroids do not control some 40% of the ulcerative colitis cases, and are not indicated for Crohn's; thiopurines are effective in the maintenance of the IBDs but do not prevent relapses on withdrawal; biologics are still being used empirically(not monitored) causing further increase of their cost over that of hospitalization. Against all these caveats, two simple rules still hold true: Strict adherence maintenance and avoidance of colitogenic drugs. This matter is expanded in this minireview.展开更多
Coronary artery disease(CAD) screening and diagnosis are core cardiac specialty services.From symptoms,autopsy correlations supported reductions in coronary blood flow and dynamic epicardial and microcirculatory coron...Coronary artery disease(CAD) screening and diagnosis are core cardiac specialty services.From symptoms,autopsy correlations supported reductions in coronary blood flow and dynamic epicardial and microcirculatory coronaries artery disease as etiologies.While angina remains a clinical diagnosis,most cases require correlation with a diagnostic modality.At the onset of the evidence building process much research,now factored into guidelines were conducted among population and demographics that were homogenous and often prior to newer technologies being available.Today we see a more diverse multi-ethnic population whose characteristics and risks may not consistently match the populations from which guideline evidence is derived.While it would seem veryunlikely that for the majority,scientific arguments against guidelines would differ,however from a translational perspective,there will be populations who differ and importantly there are cost-efficacy questions,e.g.,the most suitable first-line tests or what parameters equate to an adequate test.This article reviews non-invasive diagnosis of CAD within the context of multi-ethnic patient populations.展开更多
Background: Melanoma is a rare but serious skin cancer that is responsible for >90% of skin cancer-related deaths. This retrospective data analysis quantifies the direct cost of medical care by disease stage at dia...Background: Melanoma is a rare but serious skin cancer that is responsible for >90% of skin cancer-related deaths. This retrospective data analysis quantifies the direct cost of medical care by disease stage at diagnosis for patients with metastatic melanoma. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database was queried for patients diagnosed between 2004-2009 with stage IIIB/C and stage IV (M1a, M1b, M1c) melanoma. The primary outcome was overall medical utilization and associated costs from diagnosis to death, the end of Medicare enrolment, or 12/31/2010. Results are stratified by disease stage at diagnosis and presented as per-patient per-month (PPPM) costs. Results: Of the 1263 patients meeting the study criteria (mean age: 75 years;64% male, 92% white, mean duration of follow up: 37.5 months), 66.6% were diagnosed at stage IIIB/C and 33.4% at stage IV. Cost of care increased with disease stage. Total PPPM costs ranged from $1966 for patients diagnosed with stage IIIB to $4585 among patients diagnosed with stage M1c. Outpatient costs accounted 48.9% of total medical costs among stage IIIB patients, and 38.7% of total medical costs for stage M1c patients. Inpatient costs accounted for 37.1% (stage M1b) - 40.9% (stage M1c) of total medical costs. Conclusions: Healthcare costs for treating patients with metastatic melanoma increase by disease stage. The cost of care was more than double among patients with late stage compared to those with early stage. Treatments demonstrating ability to prevent disease progression from early stage to late stage may confer an economic benefit among other clinical advantages.展开更多
Background and Objective: A multitude of large cohort studies have collected data on incidence and covariates/risk factors of various chronic diseases. However, approaches for utilization of these large data and trans...Background and Objective: A multitude of large cohort studies have collected data on incidence and covariates/risk factors of various chronic diseases. However, approaches for utilization of these large data and translation of the valuable results to inform and guide clinical disease prevention practice are not well developed. In this paper, we proposed, based on large cohort study data, a novel conceptual cost-effective disease prevention design strategy for a target group when it is not affordable to include everyone in the target group for intervention. Methods and Results: Data from American Indian participants (n = 3516;2056 women) aged 45 - 74 years in the Strong Heart Study, the diabetes risk prediction model from the study, a utility function, and regression models were used. A conceptual cost-effective disease prevention design strategy based on large cohort data was initiated. The application of the proposed strategy for diabetes prevention was illustrated. Discussion: The strategy may provide reasonable solutions to address cost-effective prevention design issues. These issues include complex associations of a disease with its significant risk factors, cost-effectively selecting individuals at high risk of developing disease to undergo intervention, individual differences in health conditions, choosing intervention risk factors and setting their appropriate, attainable, gradual and adaptive goal levels for different subgroups, and assessing effectiveness of the prevention program. Conclusions: The strategy and methods shown in the illustrative example can also be analogously adopted and applied to other diseases preventions. The proposed strategy provides a way to translate and apply epidemiological study results to clinical disease prevention practice.展开更多
Objective To define TB control priorities using cost-effectiveness and burden of disease.Methods An assumed cohort of 2 000 cases was set up based on age-specific incidence of 794 newly registered smear-positive cas...Objective To define TB control priorities using cost-effectiveness and burden of disease.Methods An assumed cohort of 2 000 cases was set up based on age-specific incidence of 794 newly registered smear-positive cases in Beijing in1994.Prognostic trees and model diagrams of infectivity with natural history and DOTS intervention were constructed based on the epidemiological parameters.Results DOTS reduced 89.19% of YLL,78.90% of YLD,and 99.98% of infectivity BOD.One DALY could be saved with 45.70% Yuan by DOTS with 3% discount.Sensitivity analysis showed that discount had effect on CER.Weight of age was insensitive to CER.The higher the DOTS coured rate,the more the cost-effectiveness.Conclusions DOTS is a good cost-effectiveness TB control strategy.Cost-effectiveness and burden of disease can be used to define TB control priorities.展开更多
AIM: To model clinical and economic benef its of capsule endoscopy (CE) compared to ileo-colonoscopy and small bowel follow-through (SBFT) for evaluation of suspected Crohn’s disease (CD). METHODS: Using decision ana...AIM: To model clinical and economic benef its of capsule endoscopy (CE) compared to ileo-colonoscopy and small bowel follow-through (SBFT) for evaluation of suspected Crohn’s disease (CD). METHODS: Using decision analytic modeling, total and yearly costs of diagnostic work-up for suspected CD were calculated, including procedure-related adverse events, hospitalizations, off ice visits, and medications. The model compared CE to SBFT following ileo-colonoscopy and secondarily compared CE to SBFT for initial evaluation. RESULTS: Aggregate charges for newly diagnosed, medically managed patients are approximately $8295. Patients requiring aggressive medical management costs are $29 508; requiring hospitalization, $49 074. At sensitivity > 98.7% and specifi city of > 86.4%, CE is less costly than SBFT. CONCLUSION: Costs of CE for diagnostic evaluationof suspected CD is comparable to SBFT and may be used immediately following ileo-colonoscopy.展开更多
AIM To determine the prevalence of work disability in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), and to assess risk factors associated with work disability.METHODS For this retrospective cohort study, we retrieved clinical data...AIM To determine the prevalence of work disability in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), and to assess risk factors associated with work disability.METHODS For this retrospective cohort study, we retrieved clinical data from the Dutch IBD Biobank on July 2014, containing electronic patient records of 3388 IBD patients treated in the eight University Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Prevalence of work disability was assessed in 2794 IBD patients and compared with the general Dutch population. Multivariate analyses were performed for work disability(sick leave, partial and full disability) and long-term full work disability(> 80% work disability for > 2 years).RESULTS Prevalence of work disability was higher in Crohn's disease(CD)(29%) and ulcerative colitis(UC)(19%) patients compared to the general Dutch population(7%). In all IBD patients, female sex, a lower education level, and extra-intestinal manifestations, were associated with work disability. In CD patients, an age > 40 years at diagnosis, disease duration > 15 years,smoking, surgical interventions, and anti-TNFα use were associated with work disability. In UC patients, an age > 55 years, and immunomodulator use were associated with work disability. In CD patients, a lower education level(OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.02-2.58), and in UC patients, disease complications(OR = 3.39, 95%CI: 1.09-10.58) were associated with long-term full work disability.CONCLUSION The prevalence of work disability in IBD patients is higher than in the general Dutch population. Early assessment of risk factors for work disability is necessary, as work disability is substantial among IBD patients.展开更多
Objectives: Determine predictors of hospitalization and institutionalization in Medicaid populations with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Methods: Data were obtained from the Centers for Medicareand Medicaid Services (CMS)...Objectives: Determine predictors of hospitalization and institutionalization in Medicaid populations with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Methods: Data were obtained from the Centers for Medicareand Medicaid Services (CMS). Individuals enrolled in Florida,New Jersey, and New York Medicaid programs on January 1, 2004, remained in that program for 1 year and exposed to an AD medication were included. AD diagnosis was based on the ICD-9-CM code 331.0. Outcomes of interest were hospitalization and institutionalization. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test for the association between outcomes of interest and demographics, resource utilization factors, and type of AD pharmacotherapy exposure. Results: A total of 65,442 individuals qualified for the study. Age was positively and significantly associated with hospitalization (p likely to be hospitalized than Florida residents (OR = 1.30;99% CI: 1.17 - 1.44), where as New Jersey residents were significantly less likely to be hospitalized (OR = 0.75;99% CI: 0.66 - 0.85). Finally, compared toFloridaresidents, residents of New Jerseywere significantly more likely to be institutionalized (OR = 4.61;99% CI: 3.98 - 5.33). Conclusion: Demographics, state of residence and pharmacotherapy exposure weresignificant predictors of health care service utilization. Further pharmacoeconomic studies in AD medication therapy are warranted.展开更多
BACKGROUND Infliximab and other intravenous biologic infusions are increasingly used for chronic disorders like inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Rapid infliximab and home-based infusions are attractive solutions to add...BACKGROUND Infliximab and other intravenous biologic infusions are increasingly used for chronic disorders like inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Rapid infliximab and home-based infusions are attractive solutions to address resource and capacity issues for infusion centres,yet infliximab infusion reactions reportedly occur in up to 25%of patients with IBD,even at the manufacturers’recommended infusion duration of 2 h.AIM To evaluate the safety,cost and patient satisfaction of transitioning from hospitalbased,standard 2 h to rapid home-based,30-min infliximab infusions.METHODS All patients receiving rapid infliximab infusions for IBD between 2014 to 2017(39 mo)were compared with those who received standard two-hour IFX infusions between 2005-2013(96 mo)at a single IBD centre.Data(per-infusion and perindividual)including adverse drug reactions(ADR),duration(based on needledeparture time)and other clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records.Multivariable logistical regression analysis assessed factors potentially associated with increased risk of ADRs to rapid infusions.The primary outcome was the safety[as per relative risk(RR)of (ADR)of(1)rapid 30 m infusions(both hospital-and home-based)vs standard 2 h infliximab infusions.Also,relative cost per infusion and patient satisfaction and productivity were evaluated in rapid infusion recipients who transitioned to home-based infusions.RESULTS Of 129 patients who received 1461 rapid IFX infusions(2014-2017)were compared with 169 patients who received 2214 standard IFX infusions(2005-2013).Within the rapid cohort,55(42.6%)were males,median age 42 years(range 18,86),114(84%)had Crohn’s disease(CD)with a median disease duration 5 years(0,36).Median needle to departure time was higher in the standard than the rapid protocol group,108(70,253)vs 50(33,90)min,(P<0.001),with a per infusion cost of$AUD 107.50 vs$49.77,respectively(both P<0.001).There was no difference in median infusion duration or costs between rapid home vs hospital-based infusions(P=0.21).8 patients in the rapid infliximab cohort had an ADR compared with 23 standard infliximab recipients(RR 0.55%vs 1.04%respectively),hence a higher likelihood of ADR with standard compared to rapid infusions[RR 3.0,95%CI(1.2,7.7),P=0.02].No ADRs were observed in 405 rapid home-based infusions.A lower body mass index(<22 kg/m2),presence of one or more extra intestinal manifestations,longer disease duration(>3 years)and previous exposure to another biologic were each independently associated with a higher likelihood of reaction(s)to rapid infusions.All(100%)survey respondents preferred the rapid vs standard infusions,however within rapid infusion recipients,61.3%found home based infusions more inconvenient than hospitalbased infusions despite a median of 0 h per week missed from paid work and no self-reported loss of work productivity.CONCLUSION Transitioning to rapid infliximab infusions appears very safe with significant cost benefit,patient satisfaction and avails the provision of safe,efficient,home-based infliximab infusions by IBD centres worldwide.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal(GI)and liver diseases contribute to substantial inpatient morbidity,mortality,and healthcare resource utilization.Finding ways to reduce the economic burden of healthcare costs and the impa...BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal(GI)and liver diseases contribute to substantial inpatient morbidity,mortality,and healthcare resource utilization.Finding ways to reduce the economic burden of healthcare costs and the impact of these diseases is of crucial importance.Thirty-day readmission rates and related hospital outcomes can serve as objective measures to assess the impact of and provide further insights into the most common GI ailments.AIM To identify the thirty-day readmission rates with related predictors and outcomes of hospitalization of the most common GI and liver diseases in the United States.METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of the 2012 National Inpatient Sample was performed to identify the 13 most common GI diseases.The 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database was then queried with specific International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision,Clinical Modification codes.Primary outcomes were mortality(index admission,calendar-year),hospitalization costs,and thirty-day readmission and secondary outcomes were predictors of thirty-day readmission.RESULTS For the year 2013,the thirteen most common GI diseases contributed to 2.4 million index hospitalizations accounting for about$25 billion.The thirty-day readmission rates were highest for chronic liver disease(25.4%),Clostridium difficile(C.difficile)infection(23.6%),functional/motility disorders(18.5%),inflammatory bowel disease(16.3%),and GI bleeding(15.5%).The highest index and subsequent calendar-year hospitalization mortality rates were chronic liver disease(6.1%and 12.6%),C.difficile infection(2.3%and 6.1%),and GI bleeding(2.2%and 5.0%),respectively.Thirty-day readmission correlated with any subsequent admission mortality(r=0.798,P=0.001).Medicare/Medicaid insurances,≥3 Elixhauser comorbidities,and length of stay>3 d were significantly associated with thirty-day readmission for all the thirteen GI diseases.CONCLUSION Preventable and non-chronic GI disease contributed to a significant economic and health burden comparable to chronic GI conditions,providing a window of opportunity for improving healthcare delivery in reducing its burden.展开更多
Although infliximab (IFX) is effective for inducing and maintaining remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), it is much more expensive than other treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effe...Although infliximab (IFX) is effective for inducing and maintaining remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), it is much more expensive than other treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of several therapies, including IFX, for moderately to severely active CD. A Markov cohort model was constructed to simulate treatment effectiveness and costs. Transition probabilities, utilities, direct medical costs, and productivity costs were estimated using the results of published research. The primary effectiveness measurement was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), as estimated by the 15D instrument. Expected effectiveness and total costs were calculated for a 10-year period using a yearly discount rate of 3% for QALYs and costs. Multiple one-way sensitivity analyses were performed by varying parameters that were likely to change QALYs and costs. As compared with nonbiologic therapy, therapy with IFX alone resulted in more QALYs and lower costs for the 10-year period. Combination therapy with IFX and elemental diet yielded an additional 0.252 QALYs at an additional cost of $18,522 as compared with nonbiologic therapy over 10 years. The resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of combination therapy vs nonbiologic therapy was $73,500/QALY. Patient body weight was the most important factor for cost-effectiveness. In conclusion it was revealed that combination therapy with IFX plus elemental diet appears not to be a cost-effective treatment for moderately to severely active CD.展开更多
文摘With the rapid development of modern agriculture,the prevention and control of crop diseases and insect pests has become an important part to ensure the safety of agricultural production,the quality of agricultural products and the safety of agricultural ecological environment.Although the effect of traditional chemical prevention and control technology is remarkable,the health risks and environmental problems brought by it should not be ignored.As a green and environmentally friendly means of prevention and control,biological prevention and control technology has gradually become a hot research topic and a trend of agricultural production.This paper is intended to comprehensively evaluate the social costs of biological control technologies for crop diseases and pests,including the health risks reduced,environmental improvements,economic benefits,and barriers to promotion,and put forward corresponding policy recommendations.
文摘Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to global healthcare systems. As the pandemic unfolded, it became evident that certain groups of individuals were at an elevated risk of experiencing severe disease outcomes. Among these high-risk groups, individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions emerged as particularly vulnerable. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the length of stay, mortality, and costs of COVID-19 patients with and without a history of cardiac disease. Design: This retrospective study was conducted in Jam Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from March 21, 2021, to March 21, 2022. All patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized during this period were included. Results: A total of 500 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, with 31.6% having a history of cardiac disease and 68.4% without any cardiac disease. Patients with cardiac disease were significantly older (median [range] age, 69.35 [37 - 94] years) compared to non-cardiac patients (54.95 [13 - 97] years) (p Conclusion: Patients with cardiac disease who are hospitalized with COVID-19 have a higher mortality rate, longer hospital stays, greater disease severity, ICU admission, and higher costs. Therefore, improved prevention and management strategies are crucial for these patients.
文摘Background: Kidney (renal) diseases and dialysis are among the most costly disorders and represent a worldwide burden. In this study, we evaluate the medical costs for individuals with kidney diseases and risk factors for the diseases in Japan. Data and Methods: The dataset used contained 113,979 medical checkups and 3,172,066 medical cost records obtained from 48,022 individuals in one health insurance society. The sample period was April 2013 to March 2016. We evaluated the distribution of all medical costs, and those of kidney diseases specifically. Then the power transformation Tobit model was used to remove the effects of other variables. Finally, a probit analysis was used to analyze the risk factors. Results: In 0.25% of all cases, individuals were diagnosed with kidney diseases. An individual with kidney disease cost 14.5 times more than those without kidney disease. If the diseases progressed into chronic kidney disease (CKD), the medical costs increased substantially. Even disregarding various characteristics of individuals, this conclusion did not vary. We found important risk factors included diabetes and blood pressure problems. In particular, an individual with both factors had a high probability of developing kidney disease. Conclusion: Kidney diseases are much costlier than other diseases. Screening high-risk individuals, educating patients, and ensuring that treatment begins at an early stage are critically important to controlling medical costs. Limitations: The dataset was observatory, and the sample period was only 3 years.
基金Supported by Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Project,No. 2020KY608Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,No. LQ19H030013。
文摘BACKGROUND Infliximab was the first approved biologic treatment for moderate to severe Crohn's disease(MS-CD) in China. However, the cost-effectiveness of infliximab maintenance therapy(IMT) for MS-CD relative to conventional maintenance therapy remained unclarified.AIM To assess the cost-effectiveness of IMT for MS-CD in Chinese patients from the perspective of Chinese public insurance payer.METHODS A cohort of MS-CD patients managed in a Chinese tertiary care hospital was created to compare IMT with conventional maintenance therapy(CMT) for clinical outcomes and direct medical costs over a 1-year observation time using conventional regression analyses. A decision-analytic model with the generated evidence was constructed to assess the cost-effectiveness of IMT relative to CMT using reimbursed medical costs.RESULTS Based on the included 389 patients, IMT was associated with significantly higher disease remission chance [odds ratio: 4.060, P = 0.003], lower risk of developing new complications(odds ratio: 0.527, P = 0.010), higher utility value for quality of life(coefficient 0.822, P = 0.008), and lower total hospital costs related to disease management(coefficient-0.378, P = 0.008) than CMT. Base-case cost-effectiveness analysis estimated that IMT could cost Chinese health insurance payers $55260 to gain one quality-adjusted life year(QALY). The cost-effectiveness of IMT was mainly driven by the estimate of quality of life, treatment efficacy of maintenance therapy, mortality risk associated with active disease, and unit price of infliximab. The probability that IMT was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of three times gross domestic product [2018 Chinese gross domestic product per capita(GDPPC)] was 86.4%.CONCLUSION IMT significantly improved real-world health outcomes and cost the Chinese public health insurance payers less than one GDPPC to gain one QALY in Chinese MS-CD patients.
文摘Background: The American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and other organizations announced a new hypertension guideline in November 2017. However, previous studies have pointed out that this new guideline might lack sufficient evidence to justify its use. Data and Methods: The effects of blood pressure (BP) on medical costs and on the probability of having heart disease as anamnesis are analyzed. We used a dataset containing 175,123 medical checkups and 6,312,125 receipts from 88,211 individuals obtained from three health insurance societies from April 2013 to March 2016. The dataset was divided into subgroups based on whether the patients had diabetes and took hypertension medications. The power transformation and probit models were used in the study. Results: We observed negative effects of systolic BP (SBP) on medical costs in most subgroups. We could not find evidence that higher SBP made the medical costs and probability of having heart diseases higher. The results raise uncertainty about the reliability of the new guideline, at least for SBP. Conclusion: The results of this study did not support the new 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, at least for SBP. The new guideline must be more carefully reevaluated by additional studies. Limitations: The dataset was observatory, the sample period was only 3 years, and we could not complete a time-series analysis of individuals.
基金This work was supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2017YFC1309401).
文摘Objective To determine the impact of smoking on disease-specific health care utilization and medical costs in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases(NCDs).Methods Participants were middle-aged and elderly adults with chronic NCDs from a prospective cohort in China.Logistic regressions and linear models were used to assess the relationship between tobacco smoking,health care utilization and medical costs.Results Totally,1020 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),3144 patients with coronary heart disease(CHD),and 1405 patients with diabetes were included in the analysis.Among patients with COPD,current smokers(β:0.030,95%CI:−0.032-0.092)and former smokers(β:0.072,95%CI:0.014-0.131)had 3.0%and 7.2%higher total medical costs than never smokers.Medical costs of patients who had smoked for 21-40 years(β:0.028,95%CI:−0.038-0.094)and≥41 years(β:0.053,95%CI:−0.004β0.110)were higher than those of never smokers.Patients who smoked≥21 cigarettes(β:0.145,95%CI:0.051-0.239)per day had more inpatient visits than never smokers.The association between smoking and health care utilization and medical costs in people with CHD group was similar to that in people with COPD;however,there were no significant associations in people with diabetes.Conclusion This study reveals that the impact of smoking on health care utilization and medical costs varies among patients with COPD,CHD,and diabetes.Tobacco control might be more effective at reducing the burden of disease for patients with COPD and CHD than for patients with diabetes.
文摘AIM: To define the cost-effectiveness of strategies, including endoscopy and immunosuppression, to prevent endoscopic recurrence of Crohn’s disease following intestinal resection.METHODS: In the “POCER” study patients undergoing intestinal resection were treated with post-operative drug therapy. Two thirds were randomized to active care (6 mo colonoscopy and drug intensification for endoscopic recurrence) and one third to drug therapy without early endoscopy. Colonoscopy at 18 mo and faecal calprotectin (FC) measurement were used to assess disease recurrence. Administrative data, chart review and patient questionnaires were collected prospectively over 18 mo.RESULTS: Sixty patients (active care n = 43, standard care n = 17) were included from one health service. Median total health care cost was $6440 per patient. Active care cost $4824 more than standard care over 18 mo. Medication accounted for 78% of total cost, of which 90% was for adalimumab. Median health care cost was higher for those with endoscopic recurrence compared to those in remission [$26347 (IQR 25045-27485) vs $2729 (IQR 1182-5215), P < 0.001]. FC to select patients for colonoscopy could reduce cost by $1010 per patient over 18 mo. Active care was associated with 18% decreased endoscopic recurrence, costing $861 for each recurrence prevented.CONCLUSION: Post-operative management strategies are associated with high cost, primarily medication related. Calprotectin use reduces costs. The long term cost-benefit of these strategies remains to be evaluated.
文摘The inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD) are chronicincurable inflammatory disorders of the gut. Some 10% run a downhill course, requiring emergency medical support and often surgery; another small subset are monogenic, and, threatening pediatric patients, are the challenge of these days. The majority of the IBDs, however, are polygenic low-penetrance diseases, running a lifetime waxing-and-waning course. The prevalent trend is towards a slow worsening and steady cost increase. Each and all drugs of the available arsenal exhibit strengths and weaknesses: Mesalamines are chiefly effectively for mildmoderate colitis, and do not work in Crohn's; steroids do not control some 40% of the ulcerative colitis cases, and are not indicated for Crohn's; thiopurines are effective in the maintenance of the IBDs but do not prevent relapses on withdrawal; biologics are still being used empirically(not monitored) causing further increase of their cost over that of hospitalization. Against all these caveats, two simple rules still hold true: Strict adherence maintenance and avoidance of colitogenic drugs. This matter is expanded in this minireview.
文摘Coronary artery disease(CAD) screening and diagnosis are core cardiac specialty services.From symptoms,autopsy correlations supported reductions in coronary blood flow and dynamic epicardial and microcirculatory coronaries artery disease as etiologies.While angina remains a clinical diagnosis,most cases require correlation with a diagnostic modality.At the onset of the evidence building process much research,now factored into guidelines were conducted among population and demographics that were homogenous and often prior to newer technologies being available.Today we see a more diverse multi-ethnic population whose characteristics and risks may not consistently match the populations from which guideline evidence is derived.While it would seem veryunlikely that for the majority,scientific arguments against guidelines would differ,however from a translational perspective,there will be populations who differ and importantly there are cost-efficacy questions,e.g.,the most suitable first-line tests or what parameters equate to an adequate test.This article reviews non-invasive diagnosis of CAD within the context of multi-ethnic patient populations.
文摘Background: Melanoma is a rare but serious skin cancer that is responsible for >90% of skin cancer-related deaths. This retrospective data analysis quantifies the direct cost of medical care by disease stage at diagnosis for patients with metastatic melanoma. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database was queried for patients diagnosed between 2004-2009 with stage IIIB/C and stage IV (M1a, M1b, M1c) melanoma. The primary outcome was overall medical utilization and associated costs from diagnosis to death, the end of Medicare enrolment, or 12/31/2010. Results are stratified by disease stage at diagnosis and presented as per-patient per-month (PPPM) costs. Results: Of the 1263 patients meeting the study criteria (mean age: 75 years;64% male, 92% white, mean duration of follow up: 37.5 months), 66.6% were diagnosed at stage IIIB/C and 33.4% at stage IV. Cost of care increased with disease stage. Total PPPM costs ranged from $1966 for patients diagnosed with stage IIIB to $4585 among patients diagnosed with stage M1c. Outpatient costs accounted 48.9% of total medical costs among stage IIIB patients, and 38.7% of total medical costs for stage M1c patients. Inpatient costs accounted for 37.1% (stage M1b) - 40.9% (stage M1c) of total medical costs. Conclusions: Healthcare costs for treating patients with metastatic melanoma increase by disease stage. The cost of care was more than double among patients with late stage compared to those with early stage. Treatments demonstrating ability to prevent disease progression from early stage to late stage may confer an economic benefit among other clinical advantages.
文摘Background and Objective: A multitude of large cohort studies have collected data on incidence and covariates/risk factors of various chronic diseases. However, approaches for utilization of these large data and translation of the valuable results to inform and guide clinical disease prevention practice are not well developed. In this paper, we proposed, based on large cohort study data, a novel conceptual cost-effective disease prevention design strategy for a target group when it is not affordable to include everyone in the target group for intervention. Methods and Results: Data from American Indian participants (n = 3516;2056 women) aged 45 - 74 years in the Strong Heart Study, the diabetes risk prediction model from the study, a utility function, and regression models were used. A conceptual cost-effective disease prevention design strategy based on large cohort data was initiated. The application of the proposed strategy for diabetes prevention was illustrated. Discussion: The strategy may provide reasonable solutions to address cost-effective prevention design issues. These issues include complex associations of a disease with its significant risk factors, cost-effectively selecting individuals at high risk of developing disease to undergo intervention, individual differences in health conditions, choosing intervention risk factors and setting their appropriate, attainable, gradual and adaptive goal levels for different subgroups, and assessing effectiveness of the prevention program. Conclusions: The strategy and methods shown in the illustrative example can also be analogously adopted and applied to other diseases preventions. The proposed strategy provides a way to translate and apply epidemiological study results to clinical disease prevention practice.
文摘Objective To define TB control priorities using cost-effectiveness and burden of disease.Methods An assumed cohort of 2 000 cases was set up based on age-specific incidence of 794 newly registered smear-positive cases in Beijing in1994.Prognostic trees and model diagrams of infectivity with natural history and DOTS intervention were constructed based on the epidemiological parameters.Results DOTS reduced 89.19% of YLL,78.90% of YLD,and 99.98% of infectivity BOD.One DALY could be saved with 45.70% Yuan by DOTS with 3% discount.Sensitivity analysis showed that discount had effect on CER.Weight of age was insensitive to CER.The higher the DOTS coured rate,the more the cost-effectiveness.Conclusions DOTS is a good cost-effectiveness TB control strategy.Cost-effectiveness and burden of disease can be used to define TB control priorities.
基金Supported by (in part) A Research Grant from Given Imaging, Ltd., Duluth, GA 30096, United States
文摘AIM: To model clinical and economic benef its of capsule endoscopy (CE) compared to ileo-colonoscopy and small bowel follow-through (SBFT) for evaluation of suspected Crohn’s disease (CD). METHODS: Using decision analytic modeling, total and yearly costs of diagnostic work-up for suspected CD were calculated, including procedure-related adverse events, hospitalizations, off ice visits, and medications. The model compared CE to SBFT following ileo-colonoscopy and secondarily compared CE to SBFT for initial evaluation. RESULTS: Aggregate charges for newly diagnosed, medically managed patients are approximately $8295. Patients requiring aggressive medical management costs are $29 508; requiring hospitalization, $49 074. At sensitivity > 98.7% and specifi city of > 86.4%, CE is less costly than SBFT. CONCLUSION: Costs of CE for diagnostic evaluationof suspected CD is comparable to SBFT and may be used immediately following ileo-colonoscopy.
基金Supported by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research,VIDI grant No.016.136.308 to Weersma RKCareer Development grant of the Dutch Digestive Foundation,No.CDG 14-04 to Festen EAM
文摘AIM To determine the prevalence of work disability in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), and to assess risk factors associated with work disability.METHODS For this retrospective cohort study, we retrieved clinical data from the Dutch IBD Biobank on July 2014, containing electronic patient records of 3388 IBD patients treated in the eight University Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Prevalence of work disability was assessed in 2794 IBD patients and compared with the general Dutch population. Multivariate analyses were performed for work disability(sick leave, partial and full disability) and long-term full work disability(> 80% work disability for > 2 years).RESULTS Prevalence of work disability was higher in Crohn's disease(CD)(29%) and ulcerative colitis(UC)(19%) patients compared to the general Dutch population(7%). In all IBD patients, female sex, a lower education level, and extra-intestinal manifestations, were associated with work disability. In CD patients, an age > 40 years at diagnosis, disease duration > 15 years,smoking, surgical interventions, and anti-TNFα use were associated with work disability. In UC patients, an age > 55 years, and immunomodulator use were associated with work disability. In CD patients, a lower education level(OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.02-2.58), and in UC patients, disease complications(OR = 3.39, 95%CI: 1.09-10.58) were associated with long-term full work disability.CONCLUSION The prevalence of work disability in IBD patients is higher than in the general Dutch population. Early assessment of risk factors for work disability is necessary, as work disability is substantial among IBD patients.
文摘AIM: To compare the need for infliximab dose intensification in two cohorts of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC).
文摘Objectives: Determine predictors of hospitalization and institutionalization in Medicaid populations with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Methods: Data were obtained from the Centers for Medicareand Medicaid Services (CMS). Individuals enrolled in Florida,New Jersey, and New York Medicaid programs on January 1, 2004, remained in that program for 1 year and exposed to an AD medication were included. AD diagnosis was based on the ICD-9-CM code 331.0. Outcomes of interest were hospitalization and institutionalization. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test for the association between outcomes of interest and demographics, resource utilization factors, and type of AD pharmacotherapy exposure. Results: A total of 65,442 individuals qualified for the study. Age was positively and significantly associated with hospitalization (p likely to be hospitalized than Florida residents (OR = 1.30;99% CI: 1.17 - 1.44), where as New Jersey residents were significantly less likely to be hospitalized (OR = 0.75;99% CI: 0.66 - 0.85). Finally, compared toFloridaresidents, residents of New Jerseywere significantly more likely to be institutionalized (OR = 4.61;99% CI: 3.98 - 5.33). Conclusion: Demographics, state of residence and pharmacotherapy exposure weresignificant predictors of health care service utilization. Further pharmacoeconomic studies in AD medication therapy are warranted.
文摘BACKGROUND Infliximab and other intravenous biologic infusions are increasingly used for chronic disorders like inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Rapid infliximab and home-based infusions are attractive solutions to address resource and capacity issues for infusion centres,yet infliximab infusion reactions reportedly occur in up to 25%of patients with IBD,even at the manufacturers’recommended infusion duration of 2 h.AIM To evaluate the safety,cost and patient satisfaction of transitioning from hospitalbased,standard 2 h to rapid home-based,30-min infliximab infusions.METHODS All patients receiving rapid infliximab infusions for IBD between 2014 to 2017(39 mo)were compared with those who received standard two-hour IFX infusions between 2005-2013(96 mo)at a single IBD centre.Data(per-infusion and perindividual)including adverse drug reactions(ADR),duration(based on needledeparture time)and other clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records.Multivariable logistical regression analysis assessed factors potentially associated with increased risk of ADRs to rapid infusions.The primary outcome was the safety[as per relative risk(RR)of (ADR)of(1)rapid 30 m infusions(both hospital-and home-based)vs standard 2 h infliximab infusions.Also,relative cost per infusion and patient satisfaction and productivity were evaluated in rapid infusion recipients who transitioned to home-based infusions.RESULTS Of 129 patients who received 1461 rapid IFX infusions(2014-2017)were compared with 169 patients who received 2214 standard IFX infusions(2005-2013).Within the rapid cohort,55(42.6%)were males,median age 42 years(range 18,86),114(84%)had Crohn’s disease(CD)with a median disease duration 5 years(0,36).Median needle to departure time was higher in the standard than the rapid protocol group,108(70,253)vs 50(33,90)min,(P<0.001),with a per infusion cost of$AUD 107.50 vs$49.77,respectively(both P<0.001).There was no difference in median infusion duration or costs between rapid home vs hospital-based infusions(P=0.21).8 patients in the rapid infliximab cohort had an ADR compared with 23 standard infliximab recipients(RR 0.55%vs 1.04%respectively),hence a higher likelihood of ADR with standard compared to rapid infusions[RR 3.0,95%CI(1.2,7.7),P=0.02].No ADRs were observed in 405 rapid home-based infusions.A lower body mass index(<22 kg/m2),presence of one or more extra intestinal manifestations,longer disease duration(>3 years)and previous exposure to another biologic were each independently associated with a higher likelihood of reaction(s)to rapid infusions.All(100%)survey respondents preferred the rapid vs standard infusions,however within rapid infusion recipients,61.3%found home based infusions more inconvenient than hospitalbased infusions despite a median of 0 h per week missed from paid work and no self-reported loss of work productivity.CONCLUSION Transitioning to rapid infliximab infusions appears very safe with significant cost benefit,patient satisfaction and avails the provision of safe,efficient,home-based infliximab infusions by IBD centres worldwide.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal(GI)and liver diseases contribute to substantial inpatient morbidity,mortality,and healthcare resource utilization.Finding ways to reduce the economic burden of healthcare costs and the impact of these diseases is of crucial importance.Thirty-day readmission rates and related hospital outcomes can serve as objective measures to assess the impact of and provide further insights into the most common GI ailments.AIM To identify the thirty-day readmission rates with related predictors and outcomes of hospitalization of the most common GI and liver diseases in the United States.METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of the 2012 National Inpatient Sample was performed to identify the 13 most common GI diseases.The 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database was then queried with specific International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision,Clinical Modification codes.Primary outcomes were mortality(index admission,calendar-year),hospitalization costs,and thirty-day readmission and secondary outcomes were predictors of thirty-day readmission.RESULTS For the year 2013,the thirteen most common GI diseases contributed to 2.4 million index hospitalizations accounting for about$25 billion.The thirty-day readmission rates were highest for chronic liver disease(25.4%),Clostridium difficile(C.difficile)infection(23.6%),functional/motility disorders(18.5%),inflammatory bowel disease(16.3%),and GI bleeding(15.5%).The highest index and subsequent calendar-year hospitalization mortality rates were chronic liver disease(6.1%and 12.6%),C.difficile infection(2.3%and 6.1%),and GI bleeding(2.2%and 5.0%),respectively.Thirty-day readmission correlated with any subsequent admission mortality(r=0.798,P=0.001).Medicare/Medicaid insurances,≥3 Elixhauser comorbidities,and length of stay>3 d were significantly associated with thirty-day readmission for all the thirteen GI diseases.CONCLUSION Preventable and non-chronic GI disease contributed to a significant economic and health burden comparable to chronic GI conditions,providing a window of opportunity for improving healthcare delivery in reducing its burden.
文摘Although infliximab (IFX) is effective for inducing and maintaining remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), it is much more expensive than other treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of several therapies, including IFX, for moderately to severely active CD. A Markov cohort model was constructed to simulate treatment effectiveness and costs. Transition probabilities, utilities, direct medical costs, and productivity costs were estimated using the results of published research. The primary effectiveness measurement was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), as estimated by the 15D instrument. Expected effectiveness and total costs were calculated for a 10-year period using a yearly discount rate of 3% for QALYs and costs. Multiple one-way sensitivity analyses were performed by varying parameters that were likely to change QALYs and costs. As compared with nonbiologic therapy, therapy with IFX alone resulted in more QALYs and lower costs for the 10-year period. Combination therapy with IFX and elemental diet yielded an additional 0.252 QALYs at an additional cost of $18,522 as compared with nonbiologic therapy over 10 years. The resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of combination therapy vs nonbiologic therapy was $73,500/QALY. Patient body weight was the most important factor for cost-effectiveness. In conclusion it was revealed that combination therapy with IFX plus elemental diet appears not to be a cost-effective treatment for moderately to severely active CD.
