Abstract
Methods. A mathematical model previously applied to the UK was adapted using resource use and cost data (for 2007) from the national database of the German Collaborative Arthritis Centres. Social health insurance (SHI) and societal perspectives were analysed. Assumptions on initial response and changes in health-related quality of life were based on Phase III randomized controlled trials. Initial treatment response according to British Society for Rheumatology guidelines were assumed as a conservative estimate in the German context. Long-term disease progression was based on the available literature. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were expressed as euros/quality-adjusted life year (QALY), for a cohort of 1000 patients over 25 years. Sensitivity analyses explored uncertainty in results.
Results. In the base case, ETN plus usual care (including NSAIDs) yielded 1475 more QALYs at an additional cost of euro80 827 668 (SHI) or euro32 657 590 (societal) leading to an ICER of euro54 815/QALY and euro22 147/QALY, respectively. Over a shorter time horizon of 10 years, the ICERs were euro59 006 and euro29 815 for SHI and societal viewpoints, respectively. Assumptions having the largest impact on results included withdrawal rates from ETN, quality of life, disease costs and initial response.
Conclusions. Cost-effectiveness for ETN in patients with severe AS in Germany differs according to the cost perspective. Study estimates were higher than in the UK but comparable with reported cost-effectiveness of anti-TNF treatments in patients with RA in Germany.
Original language | English |
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Article number | keq222 |
Pages (from-to) | 2122-2134 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Rheumatology |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 26 Nov 2010 |