[Cost-effectiveness analysis of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori as treatment for duodenal ulcer].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the cost-effectiveness of H. pylori eradication in patients with duodenal ulcer in Spain.


METHODS
A decision model was used to compare the cost per cured patient and the cost per patient without recurrence in one year for four treatment strategies: 1) intermittent antisecretory therapy, 2) initial antisecretory therapy and H. pylori eradication if ulcer recurrence, 3) initial H. pylori eradication with antibiotics and antisecretory drugs, 4) antisecretory therapy followed by continuous maintenance therapy with ranitidine. Clinical variables were obtained from published studies made in Spain.


RESULTS
Initial H. pylori eradication is the cheapest strategy (74,702-82,028 ptas per cured patient) and the most effective (83.3-85.2% patients without recurrence in one year). Intermittent antisecretory therapy is one of the most expensive (94,891-105,324 ptas per cured patient) and the less effective (12% patients without recurrence in one year).


CONCLUSIONS
Initial eradication of H. pylori is the treatment of choice in patients with duodenal ulcer.
Fernández Muñoz
J
J
Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid.
López de Andrés
A
A
Zapater Hernández
P
P
Abad Santos
F
F
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003663:Decision Trees; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents
Análisis coste-efectividad de la erradicación del Helicobacter pylori como tratamiento de la úlcera duodenal.