Cost-effectiveness analysis of intra- and perilesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor versus hydrocolloid therapy in venous ulcer treatment in the Colombian context.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comparative analysis of healthcare expenses and outcomes in response to the question: What is the cost-effectiveness of intra- and perilesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) compared to hydrocolloid therapy in patients diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency without infection in Colombia?

METHOD: A Markov model was used to determine cost-effectiveness over a 5-year period, considering the perspective of the Health System in Colombia. The study included patients over 18 years diagnosed with CVI and used clinical studies to calculate the probabilities of epithelialization, infection, recurrence, and mortality RESULTS: RhEGF is more expensive per unit than hydrocolloids, but it is proven to be effective at healing ulcers in 8 to 12 weeks, even in complex cases. Hydrocolloids, on the other hand, typically require 29.5 weeks on average, and up to 46 weeks for complex cases. Despite the cost, rhEGF is more cost-effective because it achieves results comparable to hydrocolloid therapy at a lower cost per additional QALY.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on cost-effectiveness analysis, rhEGF is a superior alternative to hydrocolloids for treating venous ulcers in Colombia. Not only is it more affordable, but it also enhances patients' quality of life and streamlines the healthcare system's resource utilization.