Cost-effectiveness analysis of on-line hemodiafiltration in Japan.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Evaluation of the socioeconomic value of medical intervention and establishment of the resources necessary for clinical practice are important for new developments in medical technology. The aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic value of on-line hemodiafiltration (HDF). METHODS The subjects were 24 patients who underwent hemodialysis (HD) (9 HDF, 15 HD) for chronic renal failure. A total of 288 dialysis interventions were observed for 4 weeks in three clinics. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated based on quality-adjusted life years (Qaly) and a visual analog scale. RESULTS EuroQOL-5D (0.776 ± 0.015) and visual analog scale (67.9 ± 1.2) in the HDF group were higher than those in the HD group at baseline. The incremental cost utility ratio for HDF was 641.7 (JPY 10,000/Qaly) based on Qaly (0.776 ± 0.015) and reimbursement for medical fees (JPY 4,982,736 ± 7,852), and was lower than the incremental cost utility ratio for HD. CONCLUSION These results suggest that on-line HDF could be cost-effective.