COST-CONSEQUENCE MODELS FOR VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS-INFECTIONS

Three cost-consequence models were developed for treatment of infectio ns due to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) with acyclovir in immunocompete nt patients-adult- and childhood-onset chickenpox, and herpes tester ( shingles) in adults. For chickenpox, separate models allow examination of differences in severity and impact of the disease for children and adults, as well as in the management of civilians and adults in milit ary service. Each model includes direct medical costs, indirect costs and health-related productivity loss, symptom and quality of life impa ct, and model assumptions and conclusions. Alternatives of treatment a nd no treatment are addressed. Quality of life impact is conceptualize d in terms of a quality-adjusted life-days decrement due to VZV sympto ms of importance to the patient, such as pain, rash, and itching. As e xperience and data become available, alternative agents such as valacy clovir and famciclovir for the treatment of patients with herpes teste r should be included in the modeling process.