Cost-effectiveness of adding-on new antiepileptic drugs to conventional regimens in controlling intractable seizures in children

Background and purpose of the study: Intractable seizures are a subgroup of epileptic disorders challenging the physicians' skills to become controlled. Showing resistance towards common pharmacotherapy, they demand newer antiepileptic drugs acquired at higher costs. 0.06% of children around the world are estimated to suffer from epilepsy and its consequences. The aim of the present study has been to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of intractable seizures in children. Methods: Clinical and cost data were collected from medical and cost records preserved at a neurologist office and a referral pharmacy respectively. Based on the new AED which are accessible in Iran, regimens were categorized into eight groups. The first group consisting of conventional AEDs was considered as comparator and the effectiveness of other groups was compared with it. Incremental Cost-effectiveness Ratio (ICER) of adding-on each new antiepileptic drug was calculated in terms of Rials per consequence (Rls/consq) and compared with each other. Furthermore ICER of the regimens was compared with the GDP per capita (Gross Domestic Product) of the year (2010). Results: the ICER of the adding-on regimens range from negative values for Gabapentin, Levetiracetam and Zonisamide to low values for Lamotrigine (similar to 6.4 million Rials/consequence [mil Rls/consq]) and Oxcarbazepine (similar to 7.7 mil Rls/consq) and followed by high values for Topiramate (similar to 21 mil Rls/consq) and Vigabatrin (similar to 43.7 mil Rls/consq) considering the three months of remaining on regimen. By increasing the limit of remaining time to six months, the previously mentioned regimens persist on negative values. However Oxcarbazepine (similar to 28.7 mil Rls/consq) and Lamotrigine (similar to 13.8 mil Rls/consq) show a steep increase. Topiramate (similar to 23.6 mil Rls/consq) displays a less change. Opposite to other regimens, the ICER value of Vigabatrin (similar to 17.26 mil Rls/consq) has shown an important increase. Major conclusions: Adding-on new antiepileptics to conventional regimens are cost-effective and justified considering the GDP per capita.