[Cost-effectiveness analysis of treatment of chronic hepatitis B with interferon in Chinese city].
OBJECTIVE
In this article, we evaluated the economic significance of treating HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B with interferon in Chinese population.


METHODS
Cohort of 1,000 hypothetical HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients treated with interferon was compared to patients with routine treatment in respect of cost and effectiveness. The costs of routine treatment were estimated by surveys in four Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanning and Shijiazhuang). Natural history of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B and the efficacy of interferon were determined by meta-analysis. Outcome of the disease and medical cost of the two cohorts were predicted over a period of 30 years using survival analysis. Thus, cost per life year and cost per QALY(Quality adjusted life year) with the interferon treatment were calculated. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the firmness of the conclusion.


RESULTS
Costs per life year and per QALY saved were no more than 2,359 Yuan(RMB) and 1,775 Yuan (RMB) respectively. In Shanghai and Beijing, medical costs could be saved due to the use of interferon.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B with interferon was cost-effective and should be considered in the allocation of health resource in Chinese cities.
Lin
X
X
Department of Epidemiology, Shanghai Medical University.
Ding
D
D
Zhang
P
P
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins