Cost-effectiveness of amphotericin B deoxycholate versus itraconazole for induction therapy of talaromycosis in HIV-infected adults in Vietnam

Abstract Background Talaromycosis (penicilliosis) is an invasive fungal infection and a major cause of HIV-related deaths in Southeast Asia. Guidelines recommend induction therapy with amphotericin B deoxycholate, however treatment with itraconazole has fewer toxic effects, is easier to administer and is less expensive. Our recent randomized controlled trial in Vietnam found amphotericin B was superior to itraconazole with respect to six-month mortality. We undertook an economic evaluation alongside this trial to determine whether the more effective treatment is cost-effective. Methods Resource use, direct and indirect costs, health and quality of life outcomes (measured using quality-adjusted life-years; QALYs) were evaluated for 405 trial participants from 2012 to 2016. Both a Vietnamese health service and a broader societal costing perspective were considered. Mean costs and QALYs were combined to calculate the within-trial cost-effectiveness of amphotericin versus itraconazole from both perspectives. Results From a Vietnamese health service perspective, amphotericin increases costs but improves health outcomes compared to itraconazole, at a cost of $3,013/QALY gained. The probability that amphotericin is cost-effective at a conventional (WHO-CHOICE) threshold of value for money is 46%. From a societal perspective, amphotericin is cost-reducing and improves outcomes compared to itraconazole, and is likely to be a cost-effective strategy at any value for money threshold greater than $0. Conclusions Our analysis indicates that induction therapy with amphotericin is a cost-effective treatment strategy for HIV-infected adults diagnosed with talaromycosis in Vietnam. These results provide the evidence base for healthcare providers and policy makers to improve access to and use of amphotericin.