Cost-effectiveness of lower targets for blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in diabetes: The Stop Atherosclerosis in Native Diabetics Study (SANDS)

BackgroundThe Stop Atherosclerosis in Native Diabetics Study (SANDS) reported cardiovascular benefit of aggressive versus standard treatment targets for both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and blood pressure (BP) in diabetic individuals.ObjectiveIn this analysis, we examined within trial cost-effectiveness of aggressive targets of LDL-C ≤70 mg/dL and systolic BP ≤115 mmHg versus standard targets of LDL-C ≤100 mg/dL and systolic BP ≤130 mmHg.DesignRandomized, open label blinded-to-endpoint 3-year trial.Data SourcesSANDS clinical trial database, Quality of Wellbeing survey, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Wholesale Drug Prices.Target PopulationAmerican Indians ≥age 40 years with type 2 diabetes and no previous cardiovascular events.Time HorizonApril 2003 to July 2007.PerspectiveHealth payer.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to aggressive versus standard groups with treatment algorithms defined for both.Outcome MeasuresIncremental cost-effectiveness.Results of Base-Case AnalysisCompared with the standard group, the aggressive group had slightly lower costs of medical services (−$116) but a 54% greater cost for BP medication ($1,242) and a 116% greater cost for lipid-lowering medication ($2,863), resulting in an increased cost of $3,988 over 3 years. Those in the aggressively treated group gained 0.0480 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) over the standard group. When a 3% discount rate for costs and outcomes was used, the resulting cost per QALY was $82,589.Results of Sensitivity AnalysisThe use of a 25%, 50%, and 75% reduction in drug costs resulted in a cost per QALY of $61,329, $40,070, and $18,810, respectively.LimitationsThis study was limited by use of a single ethnic group and by its 3-year duration.ConclusionsWithin this 3-year study, treatment to lower BP and LDL-C below standard targets was not cost-effective because of the cost of the additional medications required to meet the lower targets. With the anticipated availability of generic versions of the BP and lipid-lowering drugs used in SANDS, the cost-effectiveness of this intervention should improve.