O. Louisjacques et Ad. Olson, COST-BENEFIT-ANALYSIS OF INTERFERON THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC ACTIVE HEPATITIS-B, Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 24(1), 1997, pp. 25-32
Background: alpha-Interferon is widely accepted for treatment of adult
s with chronic hepatitis B, but its use remains limited in children, p
artly because of questions regarding its cost effectiveness. The aim o
f this study was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of alpha-interfero
n for children with chronic active hepatitis B. Methods: We estimated
the cost per year of life saved by alpha-interferon therapy for three
cohorts of patients with chronic active hepatitis B treated at 2, 12,
or 25 years of age. We assumed that only patients with active viral re
plication would be treated and that a-interferon would prevent cirrhos
is and hepatocellular carcinoma in a portion of the population treated
. We calculated costs per year of life saved. Medical costs and years
of life saved were discounted at 5% per year. Results: With a 30% resp
onse rate to alpha-interferon, there was a net savings in both money a
nd lives in the children's group with a minimal cost per year of life
saved for adolescents (S510) and adults ($934). Years of life saved pe
r person were greater for children (1.0) than adults (0.5). With a 6%
response rate, estimated costs per year of life saved for children ($5
,700) were one-fourth of those of adults ($22,100). Conclusions: alpha
-interferon therapy for patients with chronic active hepatitis B is co
st effective. alpha-Interferon is more cost effective in toddlers than
adults because of the smaller dose required and the greater increase
in life expectancy of children.