Cost-Effectiveness of Age-Expanding Strategy of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment in Household Contacts in South Korea
- Author:
Hyunwoo CHO
1
;
Jeongjoo SEOK
;
Youngmok PARK
;
Hee Jin KIM
;
Eun Hye LEE
;
Jungeun PARK
;
Dong Ah PARK
;
Young Ae KANG
;
Jeehyun LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal 2023;64(6):366-374
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The strategy of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment in household tuberculosis (TB) contacts has been expanding in South Korea. However, there is little evidence of the cost-effectiveness of LTBI treatment in patients over 35 years of age. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LTBI treatment among household TB contacts in different age groups in South Korea.
Materials and Methods:An age-structured model of TB was developed based on the reports from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the National Health Insurance Service. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and the averted number of TBrelated deaths were estimated along with discounted costs for a measure of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.
Results:The number of cumulative active TB cases would decrease by 1564 and 7450 under the scenario of LTBI treatment for those aged <35 years and <70 years, respectively, relative to the no-treatment scenario. The treatment strategies for patients aged 0 to <35 years, <55 years, <65 years, and <70 years would add 397, 1482, 3782, and 8491 QALYs at a cost of $660, $5930, $4560, and $2530, respectively, per QALY. For the averted TB-related deaths, LTBI treatment targeting those aged 0 to <35 years, <55 years, <65 years, and <70 years would avert 7, 89, 155, and 186 deaths at a cost of $35900, $99200, $111100, and $115700 per deaths, respectively, in 20 years.
Conclusion:The age-specific expansion policy of LTBI treatment not only for those under 35 years of age but also for those under 65 years of age among household contacts was cost-effective in terms of QALYs and averted TB deaths.
