Cost-Effectiveness of Treating Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the Philippines
Author Information
Author(s): Tupasi Thelma E, Gupta Rajesh, Quelapio Ma Imelda D, Orillaza Ruth B, Mira Nona Rachel, Mangubat Nellie V, Belen Virgil, Arnisto Nida, Macalintal Lualhati, Arabit Michael, Lagahid Jaime Y, Espinal Marcos, Floyd Katherine
Primary Institution: Tropical Disease Foundation, Manila, Philippines
Hypothesis
Is DOTS-Plus a feasible and cost-effective strategy for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis?
Conclusion
The DOTS-Plus strategy for treating MDR-TB is feasible and cost-effective in low- and middle-income countries.
Supporting Evidence
- The cure rate for MDR-TB in this project was 61%.
- The average cost per patient treated was US$4,192.
- The mean cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) gained was US$242.
- The study included a cohort of 117 patients treated between 1999 and 2002.
Takeaway
This study shows that treating patients with a special program for drug-resistant tuberculosis can work well and is not too expensive.
Methodology
The study evaluated a DOTS-Plus pilot project treating MDR-TB patients with individualized drug regimens over three years.
Potential Biases
The cohort included only patients enrolled in the project, which may not represent all eligible patients.
Limitations
The study had a limited sample size and did not include long-term relapse rates.
Participant Demographics
The average age was 38 years, with 74% male and a significant portion resistant to five or more drugs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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