title: Cost-effectiveness analysis of treatment of osteoporotic fractures in relation to FRAX algorithm in a sample of Polish population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The increasing incidence of osteoporotic fractures is becoming a growing burden on the health service. Due to the high cost of treatment, these fractures require a broader look at the underlying problem. The aim of the study was to assess the 10-year probability of hip fracture or any other major osteoporotic fracture at which the treatment becomes cost-effective.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective study of a group of 1,024 patients. The cost-effectiveness of pharmacological low-energy fracture prevention was analyzed by means of the medication defined as the reimbursement limit basis in the reimbursement limit group 147.0. (medications used in bone diseases) in July 2013 (Alendrogen 70 mg). 3- and 5-year therapies were analysed. The outcome was compared with the results of FRAX® (of the Polish and British population) in every patient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The model for calculating cost-effectiveness showed that treatment after the age of 50 until the age of 60-65 years is cost-effective at a similar level of 10-year major fracture probability (regardless of treatment duration). After the age of 65, there is a clear decline in the profitability of the therapy. The results indicate that, for the population of women aged >50 years, the treatment is cost-effective when the 10-year major fracture probability equals 5.1% and 6% for a 3- and 5-year therapy, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  1. The study showed pharmacological treatment to be cost-effective in a large group of patients forming the study population. 2. The analysis also revealed a strong correlation between study results and the specific tool employed to define fracture probability.
authors.affiliation: Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Bone and Joint Diseases, Kraków, Poland.
authors.forename: Jarosław
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Amarowicz
authors.affiliation: HTA Consulting, Kraków, Poland.
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bolisęga
authors.affiliation: HTA Consulting, Kraków, Poland.
authors.forename: Jakub
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rutkowski
authors.affiliation: Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Bone and Joint Diseases, Kraków, Poland.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumorek
authors.affiliation: Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Bone and Joint Diseases, Kraków, Poland.
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Czerwiński
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019386:Alendronate / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000465:Algorithms; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D019386:Alendronate