[The cost-effectiveness of using magnetic resonance plus conventional radiography in diabetic-foot patients].
OBJECTIVE
Performing a cost-effectiveness analysis of adding magnetic resonance to conventional radiography in patients suffering from diabetic foot and signs of infection from the payer's point of view.


METHODS
The cost effectiveness (from the payer's point of view) of conventional radiography plus magnetic resonance was calculated for patients having diabetic foot and signs of infection by means of a Markov model. Costs were measured in 2008 Colombian pesos and effectiveness in terms of disability adjusted life years (DALY). The cost-effectiveness threshold was the Colombian 2008 per capita GDP, $ 10,761,691.


RESULTS
Using magnetic resonance in addition to conventional radiography in this population had a $ 1,532,778 and $ 1,741,311 incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, without and with discount, respectively; the results were robust to sensitivity analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Using magnetic resonance in addition to conventional radiography in patients suffering from diabetic foot and signs of infection was cost-effective for Colombia.
Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. lachicaizab@unal.edu.co
Liliana A
LA
Chicaíza-Becerra
Oscar
O
Gamboa-Garay
Mario
M
García-Molina
D003105:Colombia; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics*; D008390:Markov Chains; D008875:Middle Aged; D018803:Models, Economic; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D011859:Radiography / Q000191:economics*