Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 187 in total

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  1. Veettil SK, Lim KG, Chaiyakunapruk N, Ching SM, Abu Hassan MR
    Asian J Surg, 2017 Nov;40(6):481-489.
    PMID: 27492344 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2016.07.005
    BACKGROUND: This study aims to provide an analytical overview of the changing burden of colorectal cancer and highlight the implementable control measures that can help reduce the future burden of colorectal cancer in Malaysia.

    METHODS: We performed a MEDLINE search via OVID with the ​Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms "Colorectal Neoplasms"[Mesh] and "Malaysia"[Mesh], and PubMed with the key words "colorectal cancer" and "Malaysia" from 1990 to 2015 for studies reporting any clinical, societal, and economical findings associated with colorectal cancer in Malaysia. Incidence and mortality data were retrieved from population-based cancer registries/databases.

    RESULTS: In Malaysia, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in males and the third most common cancer in females. The economic burden of colorectal cancer is substantial and is likely to increase over time in Malaysia owing to the current trend in colorectal cancer incidence. In Malaysia, most patients with colorectal cancer have been diagnosed at a late stage, with the 5-year relative survival by stage being lower than that in developed Asian countries. Public awareness of the rising incidence of colorectal cancer and the participation rates for colorectal cancer screening are low.

    CONCLUSION: The efficiency of different screening approaches must be assessed, and an organized national screening program should be developed in a phased manner. It is essential to maintain a balanced investment in awareness programs targeting general population and primary care providers, focused on increasing the knowledge on symptoms and risk factors of colorectal cancer, awareness on benefits of screening, and promotion of healthy life styles to prevent this important disease.

  2. Wu DB, Chaiyakunapruk N, Chong HY, Beutels P
    Vaccine, 2015 Mar 30;33(14):1633-58.
    PMID: 25681663 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.081
    BACKGROUND: Seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV7) have been used in children for more than a decade. Given the observed increase in disease caused by pneumococcal serotypes not covered by PCV7, an increasing number of countries are switching from 7-valent to 10- and 13-valent PCVs ("PCV10" and "PCV13"). Economic evaluations are important tools to inform decisions and price negotiations to make such a switch.
    OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide a critical assessment of economic evaluations involving PCV10 or PCV13, published since 2006.
    METHODS: We searched Scopus, ISI Web of Science (SCI and SSCI) and Pubmed to retrieve, select and review relevant studies, which were archived between 1st January 2006 and 31st January 2014. The review protocol involved standard extraction of assumptions, methods, results and sponsorships from the original studies.
    RESULTS: Sixty-three economic evaluations on PCVs published since January 2006 were identified. About half of these evaluated PCV10 and/or PCV13, the subject of this review. At current prices, both PCV13 and PCV10 were likely judged preferable to PCV7. However, the combined uncertainty related to price differences, burden of disease, vaccine effectiveness, herd and serotype replacement effects determine the preference base for either PCV10 or PCV13. The pivotal assumptions and results of these analyses also depended on which manufacturer sponsored the study.
    CONCLUSION: A more thorough exploration of uncertainty should be made in future analyses on this subject, as we lack understanding to adequately model herd and serotype replacement effects to reliably predict the population impact of PCVs. The introduction of further improved PCVs in an environment of evolving antibiotic resistance and under the continuing influence of previous PCVs implies that the complexity and data requirements for relevant analyses will further increase. Decision makers using these analyses should not just rely on an analysis from a single manufacturer.
    KEYWORDS: Cost-effectiveness; Cost–benefit; Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine; Streptococcus pneumoniae
  3. Kowdley KV, Sundaram V, Jeon CY, Qureshi K, Latt NL, Sahota A, et al.
    Hepatology, 2017 04;65(4):1094-1103.
    PMID: 28027579 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29005
    Eight weeks duration of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) can be considered in genotype 1 hepatitis C virus-infected patients who are treatment-naive, do not have cirrhosis, and have a pretreatment viral load <6,000,000 IU/mL. The effectiveness of this regimen, however, has not been fully confirmed by real-world experience. Using data from real-world cohorts, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of 8 weeks of LDV/SOF treatment, examine variables associated with relapse after treatment with this regimen, and compare the effectiveness of 8 weeks and 12 weeks of LDV/SOF treatment. To evaluate the effectiveness of 8 weeks of therapy and characteristics associated with relapse, we used individual patient data from the IFI (Institut für Interdisziplinäre Medizin), Burman's Pharmacy, and Kaiser Permanente Southern California. All patients had fibrosis staging assessed with biopsy, transient elastography, or serum biomarkers. We also performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of six additional real-world cohorts, to compare effectiveness of 8 weeks to 12 weeks duration. In our pooled data analysis, 634 patients were treated for 8 weeks with LDV/SOF, of whom all had outcomes of cure or relapse without loss to follow-up. Per protocol rates of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks were 98.1% (622/634) in the full cohort and 97.9% (571/583) among treatment-eligible patients. Exact logistic regression revealed no specific patient characteristics associated with relapse. Our meta-analysis of six additional real-world cohorts, comprised of 5,637 patients, demonstrated similar risk for relapse between 8 weeks and 12 weeks of LDV/SOF (relative risk = 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.98-1.00).

    CONCLUSION: An 8-week duration of treatment with LDV/SOF is highly effective in properly selected patients; greater use of this regimen is recommended. (Hepatology 2017;65:1094-1103).

  4. Dilokthornsakul P, Chaiyakunapruk N, Campbell JD
    J Asthma, 2017 01 02;54(1):17-23.
    PMID: 27284904 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2016.1193601
    OBJECTIVE: To test the association of clinical evidence type, efficacy-based or effectiveness-based ("E"), versus whether or not asthma interventions' cost-effectiveness findings are favorable.

    DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, Tufts CEA registry, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the UK National Health Services Economic Evaluation Database from 2009 to 2014.

    STUDY SELECTION: All cost-effectiveness studies evaluating asthma medication(s) were included. Clinical evidence type, "E," was classified as efficacy-based if the evidence was from an explanatory randomized controlled trial(s) or meta-analysis, while evidence from pragmatic trial(s) or observational study(s) was classified as effectiveness-based. We defined three times the World Health Organization cost-effectiveness willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold or less as a favorable cost-effectiveness finding. Logistic regression tested the likelihood of favorable versus unfavorable cost-effectiveness findings against the type of "E."

    RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 25 cost-effectiveness studies were included. Ten (40.0%) studies were effectiveness-based, yet 15 (60.0%) studies were efficacy-based. Of 17 studies using endpoints that could be compared to WTP threshold, 7 out of 8 (87.5%) effectiveness-based studies yielded favorable cost-effectiveness results, whereas 4 out of 9 (44.4%) efficacy-based studies yielded favorable cost-effectiveness results. The adjusted odds ratio was 15.12 (95% confidence interval; 0.59 to 388.75) for effectiveness-based versus efficacy-based achieving favorable cost-effectiveness findings. More asthma cost-effectiveness studies used efficacy-based evidence. Studies using effectiveness-based evidence trended toward being more likely to disseminate favorable cost-effective findings than those using efficacy. Health policy decision makers should pay attention to the type of clinical evidence used in cost-effectiveness studies for accurate interpretation and application.

  5. Dilokthornsakul P, McQueen RB, Chaiyakunapruk N, Spackman E, Watanabe JH, Campbell JD
    Value Health Reg Issues, 2016 May;9:99-104.
    PMID: 27881269 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2015.12.003
    Health technology assessment is a form of health policy research that provides policymakers with information relevant to decisions about policy alternatives. Findings from cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) are one of the important aspects of health technology assessment. Nevertheless, the more advanced method of value of information (VOI), which is recommended by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research and Society for Medical Decision Making Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force, has rarely been applied in CEA studies in Asia. The lack of VOI in Asian CEA studies may be due to limited understanding of VOI methods and what VOI can and cannot help policy decision makers accomplish. This concept article offers audiences a practical primer in understanding the calculation, presentation, and policy implications of VOI. In addition, it provides a rapid survey of health technology assessment guidelines and literature related to VOI in Asia and discusses the future directions of VOI use in Asia and its potential barriers. This article will enable health economists, outcomes researchers, and policymakers in Asia to better understand the importance of VOI analysis and its implications, leading to the appropriate use of VOI in Asia.
  6. Kulchaitanaroaj P, Brooks JM, Chaiyakunapruk N, Goedken AM, Chrischilles EA, Carter BL
    J Hypertens, 2017 Jan;35(1):178-187.
    PMID: 27684354
    OBJECTIVE: To estimate long-term costs and outcomes attributable to a physician-pharmacist collaborative intervention compared with physician management alone for treating essential hypertension.

    METHODS: A Markov model cohort simulation with a 6-month cycle length to predict acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and heart failure throughout lifetime was performed. A cohort of 399 patients was obtained from two prospective, cluster randomized controlled clinical trials implementing physician-pharmacist collaborative interventions in community-based medical offices in the Midwest, USA. Framingham risk equations and other algorithms were used to predict the vascular diseases. SBP reduction due to the interventions deteriorated until 5 years. Direct medical costs using a payer perspective were adjusted to 2015 dollar value, and the main outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs); both were discounted at 3%. The intervention costs were estimated from the trials, whereas the remaining parameters were from published studies. A series of sensitivity analyses including changing patient risks of vascular diseases, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve were performed.

    RESULTS: The lifetime incremental costs were $26 807.83 per QALY (QALYs gained = 0.14). The intervention provided the greatest benefit for the high-risk patients, moderate benefit for the trial patients, and the lowest benefit for the low-risk patients. If a payer is willing to pay $50 000 per QALY gained, in 48.6% of the time the intervention would be cost-effective.

    CONCLUSION: Team-based care such as a physician-pharmacist collaboration appears to be a cost-effective strategy for treating hypertension. The intervention is most cost-effective for high-risk patients.

  7. Chong HY, Saokaew S, Dumrongprat K, Permsuwan U, Wu DB, Sritara P, et al.
    Thromb Res, 2014 Dec;134(6):1278-84.
    PMID: 25456732 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2014.10.006
    Pharmacogenetic (PGx) test is a useful tool for guiding physician on an initiation of an optimal warfarin dose. To implement of such strategy, the evidence on the economic value is needed. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of PGx-guided warfarin dosing compared with usual care (UC).
  8. Chong HY, Saokaew S, Dumrongprat K, Permsuwan U, Sritara P, Chaiyakunapruk N
    Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A760.
    PMID: 27202779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.254
  9. Pratoomsoot C, Sruamsiri R, Dilokthornsakul P, Chaiyakunapruk N
    PLoS One, 2015;10(1):e108681.
    PMID: 25633206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108681
    Many randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of herbal interventions have been conducted in the ASEAN Communities. Good quality reporting of RCTs is essential for assessing clinical significance. Given the importance ASEAN placed on herbal medicines, the reporting quality of RCTs of herbal interventions among the ASEAN Communities deserved a special attention.
  10. Saokaew S, Tassaneeyakul W, Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N
    PLoS One, 2014;9(4):e94294.
    PMID: 24732692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094294
    BACKGROUND: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), caused by allopurinol therapy, are strongly associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), HLA-B*5801. Identification of HLA-B*5801 genotype before prescribing allopurinol offers the possibility of avoiding allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN. As there is a paucity of evidence about economic value of such testing, this study aims to determine the cost-effectiveness of HLA-B*5801 testing compared with usual care (no genetic testing) before allopurinol administration in Thailand.
    METHODS AND FINDING: A decision analytical and Markov model was used to estimate life time costs and outcomes represented as quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. The model was populated with relevant information of the association between gene and allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN, test characteristics, costs, and epidemiologic data for Thailand from a societal perspective. Input data were obtained from the literature and a retrospective database analysis. The results were expressed as incremental cost per QALY gained. A base-case analysis was performed for patients at age 30. A series of sensitivity analyses including scenario, one-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were constructed to explore the robustness of the findings. Based on a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 patients, the incremental total cost was 923,919 THB (USD 29,804) and incremental QALY was 5.89 with an ICER of 156,937.04 THB (USD 5,062) per QALY gained. The cost of gout management, incidence of SJS/TEN, case fatality rate of SJS/TEN, and cost of genetic testing are considered very influential parameters on the cost-effectiveness value of HLA-B*5801 testing.
    CONCLUSIONS: The genetic testing for HLA-B*5801 before allopurinol administration is considered a highly potential cost-effective intervention in Thailand. The findings are sensitive to a number of factors. In addition to cost-effectiveness findings, consideration of other factors including ethical, legal, and social implications is needed for an informed policy decision making.
  11. Tosanguan J, Chaiyakunapruk N
    Addiction, 2016 Feb;111(2):340-50.
    PMID: 26360507 DOI: 10.1111/add.13166
    AIMS: Clinical smoking cessation interventions have been found typically to be highly cost-effective in many high-income countries. There is a need to extend this to low- and middle-income countries and undertake comparative analyses. This study aimed to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of a range of clinical smoking cessation interventions available in Thailand.
    METHODS: Using a Markov model, cost-effectiveness, in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained, from a range of interventions was estimated from a societal perspective for males and females aged 40 years who smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day. Interventions considered were: counselling in hospital, phone counselling (Quitline) and counselling plus nicotine gum, nicotine patch, bupropion, nortriptyline or varenicline. An annual discounting rate of 3% was used. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted and a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC) plotted. Comparisons between interventions were conducted involving application of a 'decision rule' process.
    RESULTS: Counselling with varenicline and counselling with nortriptyline were found to be cost-effective. Hospital counselling only, nicotine patch and bupropion were dominated by Quitline, nortriptyline and varenicline, respectively, according to the decision rule. When compared with unassisted cessation, probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that all interventions have very high probabilities (95%) of being cost-saving except for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patch (74%).
    CONCLUSION: In middle-income countries such as Thailand, nortriptyline and varenicline appear to provide cost-effective clinical options for supporting smokers to quit.
  12. Saokaew S, Sugimoto T, Kamae I, Pratoomsoot C, Chaiyakunapruk N
    PLoS One, 2015;10(11):e0141993.
    PMID: 26560127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141993
    Health technology assessment (HTA) has been continuously used for value-based healthcare decisions over the last decade. Healthcare databases represent an important source of information for HTA, which has seen a surge in use in Western countries. Although HTA agencies have been established in Asia-Pacific region, application and understanding of healthcare databases for HTA is rather limited. Thus, we reviewed existing databases to assess their potential for HTA in Thailand where HTA has been used officially and Japan where HTA is going to be officially introduced.
  13. Kotirum S, Ismail SB, Chaiyakunapruk N
    Complement Ther Med, 2015 Oct;23(5):693-8.
    PMID: 26365449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.07.009
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) herbal extract on erectile function improvement.
    METHODS: Comprehensive electronic databases were searched from inception through October 2014. Randomized controlled trials investigating Tongkat Ali compared to placebo were included. Outcome of interest was the improvement of erectile dysfunction. The difference of changes from baseline of the outcome between Tongkat Ali and placebo was pooled using weighted mean difference (WMD). Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using Jadad's quality scale and Cochrane's risk of bias.
    RESULTS: Of the 342 articles identified, 2 studies involving a total of 139 participants were analyzed. No significance between group difference was found in the mean WMD of the change in the 5- item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) at week-12 (0.91; 95% CI: -1.50 to 3.33 with I(2)=89.5%, P-value=0.002) with statistical heterogeneity. Based on the subgroup analysis, significant improved IIEF-5 score of 2.15 (95% CI 1.03-3.27) was found in subjects with lower baseline IIEF-5 score, but this was not seen among those with higher baseline IIEF-5 score.
    CONCLUSION: Based on current evidence, the herbal extract of Tongkat Ali may have clinical effect on erectile function. However, more efficacy trials are warranted to further support current evidence.
    KEYWORDS: Alternative medicine; Erectile dysfunction; Eurycoma longifolia; Extract; Root; Tongkat Ali
  14. Dilokthornsakul P, Sawangjit R, Inprasong C, Chunhasewee S, Rattanapan P, Thoopputra T, et al.
    J Postgrad Med, 2016 Apr-Jun;62(2):109-14.
    PMID: 27089110 DOI: 10.4103/0022-3859.180571
    Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening dermatologic conditions. Although, the incidence of SJS/TEN in Thailand is high, information on cost of care for SJS/TEN is limited. This study aims to estimate healthcare resource utilization and cost of SJS/TEN in Thailand, using hospital perspective.
  15. Dilokthornsakul P, Thoopputra T, Patanaprateep O, Kongsakon R, Chaiyakunapruk N
    SAGE Open Med, 2016;4:2050312116637026.
    PMID: 27026801 DOI: 10.1177/2050312116637026
    BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the impacts of medication adherence on hospitalization and direct healthcare cost in patients with schizophrenia in Thailand.
    METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken. Patients with schizophrenia aged 18-65 years who visited a University hospital and received antipsychotics from April 2011 to October 2011 were included. Propensity score-adjusted logistic regression was used to determine the impacts of medication adherence on schizophrenia-related and all-cause hospitalizations.
    RESULTS: A total of 582 patients were included. Three out of 224 patients (1.3%) were hospitalized with schizophrenia in optimal adherence group, while 10 of 140 (7.1%) were hospitalized in under-adherence group, and 7 of 218 (3.2%) were hospitalized in over-adherence group. Based on propensity score-adjusted multivariate logistic regression, the adjusted odds ratio was 5.86 (95% confidence interval = 1.53-22.50) for schizophrenia-related hospitalization and 8.04 (95% confidence interval = 2.20-29.40) for all-cause hospitalization. The average annual direct healthcare costs in patients with optimal adherence, under-adherence, and over-adherence were US$371 ± US$836, US$386 ± US$734, and US$508 ± US$2168, respectively.
    CONCLUSION: An initiation of interventions to maintain optimal adherence in patients with schizophrenia would significantly impact the healthcare system.
    KEYWORDS: Adherence; antipsychotics; cost; hospitalization
  16. Kongwatcharapong J, Dilokthornsakul P, Nathisuwan S, Phrommintikul A, Chaiyakunapruk N
    Int J Cardiol, 2016 May 15;211:88-95.
    PMID: 26991555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.02.146
    Recent studies have suggested that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) may be associated with increased risk of heart failure (HF), but evidence was inconclusive. We aimed to determine the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors on risk of HF.
  17. Sruamsiri R, Wagner AK, Ross-Degnan D, Lu CY, Dhippayom T, Ngorsuraches S, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2016;6(3):e008671.
    PMID: 26988346 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008671
    In 2008, the Thai government introduced the 'high-cost medicines E2 access program' as a part of the National List of Essential Medicines to increase patient access to medicines, improve clinical outcomes and make medicines more affordable. Our objective was to examine whether the 'high-cost medicines E2 access program' achieved its goals.
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