title: Cost-effectiveness analysis of thermotherapy versus pentavalent antimonials for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis is toxic, has contraindications, and a high cost. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of thermotherapy versus pentavalent antimonials for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Effectiveness was the proportion of healing and safety with the adverse effects; these parameters were estimated from a controlled clinical trial and a meta-analysis. A standard costing was conducted. Average and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated. The uncertainty regarding effectiveness, safety, and costs was determined through sensitivity analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total costs were $66,807 with Glucantime and $14,079 with thermotherapy. The therapeutic effectiveness rates were 64.2% for thermotherapy and 85.1% for Glucantime. The average cost-effectiveness ratios ranged between $721 and $1275 for Glucantime and between $187 and $390 for thermotherapy. Based on the meta-analysis, thermotherapy may be a dominant strategy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The excellent cost-effectiveness ratio of thermotherapy shows the relevance of its inclusion in guidelines for the treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Cooperative University of Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.|School of Microbiology, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
authors.forename: Jaiberth Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Cardona-Arias
authors.affiliation: PECET, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
authors.forename: Liliana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: López-Carvajal
authors.affiliation: School of Economics and Finance, EAFIT University, Medellin, Colombia.
authors.forename: Mery Patricia
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Tamayo Plata
authors.affiliation: PECET, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
authors.forename: Iván Darío
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Vélez
mesh_terms: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000628:therapy*; D035501:Uncertainty
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents
keywords: Antimony sodium gluconate; Colombia; cost-effectiveness analysis; cutaneous leishmaniasis; thermotherapy